IHA Healthcare News

Get the healthcare news you need to stay on top of legislative proposals, industry trends and local issues. This section has news articles, IHA's Daily Briefing, IHA press releases and our Member News Spotlight. You can sort by category.

Featured News

Illinois state senators to choose new president Sunday

The Illinois Senate will hold a special meeting Sunday to elect a new chamber president. Capitol News Illinois

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Illinois state senators to choose new president Sunday

News Articles

  • Jan 17, 2020
  • News from the Web

Amid worry about healthcare access for foster kids, DCFS delays Medicaid managed care changes again

The state child welfare agency is delaying the rollout of a new Medicaid plan for thousands of youth in its care by at least another two months amid ongoing concerns from advocates. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jan 17, 2020
  • News from the Web

Vitamin Treatment For Sepsis Fails In Large Trial

Hope for an effective and inexpensive treatment for the deadly condition sepsis has dimmed following results of a major new study. NPR

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  • Jan 17, 2020
  • News from the Web

Stealth Disease Likely To Blame For 20% Of Worldwide Deaths

A medical condition that often escapes public notice may be involved in 20% of deaths worldwide, according to a new study. NPR Illinois

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  • Jan 17, 2020
  • News from the Web

Blood Pressure Patterns Are Different for Women

Blood pressure begins to increase at younger ages in women than in men, and it goes up at a faster rate, a new study reports. New York Times

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  • Jan 17, 2020
  • News from the Web

Hospitals, insurers urge Supreme Court to hear ACA case to avert havoc

The main lobbying groups for both the hospital and insurance industries filed amicus briefs urging the Supreme Court to take on the controversial case seeking to overturn ACA. Healthcare Dive

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  • Jan 17, 2020
  • News from the Web

Lightfoot names Chicago’s first labor standards director

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has named her choice to a new post with a big impact on business—Chicago’s first director of the Office of Labor Standards. Crain’s Chicago Business

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  • Jan 17, 2020
  • News from the Web

Cook County Board Approves 3% Tax On Recreational Marijuana; Highest Rate In Chicago To Exceed 40%

The tax on some recreational marijuana products would be more than 40% in Chicago starting this summer after the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved a 3% county tax on retailers. CBS Chicago

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  • Jan 17, 2020
  • News from the Web

Flu warning: ‘Parents of young children need to take it particularly seriously this year.’

This year’s flu season is shaping up as a harsh one in Chicago and across the country, particularly for children. Chicago Tribune

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The Pros and Cons of Recreational Marijuana in Illinois: A Health Perspective
  • Jan 16, 2020
  • News from the Web

The Pros and Cons of Recreational Marijuana in Illinois: A Health Perspective

With recreational marijuana legal in Illinois as of January 1, people have been lining up down the block at state-licensed dispensaries, which have been selling out of product. Chicago Health

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  • Jan 16, 2020
  • News from the Web

Causes of physician burnout differ by generation; so do coping strategies

The issue of burnout and depression continues to impact physicians' personal and professional lives; Generation X physicians are more likely to experience it. Healthcare Finance News

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  • Jan 16, 2020
  • News from the Web

Overwhelmed by Medical Bills, and Finding Help on TikTok

In a video last month, a North Carolina woman shared a tip about battling “stupid charges.” New York Times

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  • Jan 16, 2020
  • News from the Web

Eli Lilly to offer half-priced versions of two more insulin products

Eli Lilly said it plans to sell two versions of insulin products at half their current US list prices, eight months after it started selling a half-priced version of its Humalog injection. Reuters

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  • Jan 16, 2020
  • News from the Web

What The 2020s Have In Store For Aging Boomers

Within 10 years, all of the nation’s 74 million baby boomers will be 65 or older. Kaiser Health News

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  • Jan 16, 2020
  • News from the Web

Progress stalled on closing racial gap in health insurance since Trump took office

While the ACA ushered in huge improvements in access to health care for black and Hispanic adults in the United States, that progress appears to have stalled, according to new research. ABC News

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  • Jan 16, 2020
  • News from the Web

Health insurers urge Supreme Court to take ObamaCare case, uphold health law

The health insurance lobby America’s Health Insurance Plans filed a brief urging the Supreme Court to take up a case challenging ObamaCare and to rule to uphold the health law. The Hill

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  • Jan 16, 2020
  • News from the Web

Nurse anesthetists say care is a constant despite changes to role

They often are the last person a patient sees before heading into the operating room. Journal Courier

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  • Jan 16, 2020
  • News from the Web

Doctors warn of rise in RSV, flu cases in young children

Even before Apryl P. gave birth to her daughter Eleni just before the holidays, the Naperville mom planned to keep family gatherings from turning into a breeding ground for germs. Daily Herald

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  • Jan 16, 2020
  • News from the Web

Advocate Aurora reveals goal to become 'multimarket consolidator'

Advocate Aurora Health set a number of ambitious goals to hit by 2025, including more than doubling its revenue, which currently stands around $12 billion. Crain’s Chicago Business/Modern Healthcare

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  • Jan 16, 2020
  • News from the Web

Preckwinkle prescribes major corrective surgery to fix ills of county’s hospitals and health system

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is seeking more control and oversight over Stroger Hospital and the rest of the county health system. Chicago Sun-Times

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  • Jan 16, 2020
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 16

Governor Names Two More to State Board of Health

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 16
Pritzker reflects on first year in office, looks ahead to 2020
  • Jan 15, 2020
  • News from the Web

Pritzker reflects on first year in office, looks ahead to 2020

One year ago, on Jan. 14, 2019, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker was sworn into office. Capitol News Illinois

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  • Jan 15, 2020
  • News from the Web

US drinking more now than just before Prohibition

Americans are drinking more now than when Prohibition was enacted. What’s more, it’s been rising for two decades, and it’s not clear when it will fall again. AP

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  • Jan 15, 2020
  • News from the Web

Column: Despite lack of evidence of abuse, Trump plans to overhaul Medicaid eligibility

For all that President Trump loves to portray himself as a protector of Americans’ healthcare. Los Angeles Times 

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  • Jan 15, 2020
  • News from the Web

The 911 for suicide help: Experts say a 3-digit hotline number would reduce stigma, save lives

An easy-to-remember, three-digit number similar to 911 for those contemplating suicide could save lives, experts say. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jan 15, 2020
  • News from the Web

No Shield From X-Rays: How Science Is Rethinking Lead Aprons

Patients have come to expect a technician to drape their torsos with a heavy lead apron when they get an X-ray. Kaiser Health News

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  • Jan 15, 2020
  • News from the Web

Medicare for All? A Public Option? Health Care Terms, Explained

If the last few Democratic presidential debates are any guide, [Tuesday night’s] will likely delve into health care proposals. NPR Illinois

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  • Jan 15, 2020
  • News from the Web

More Weed Taxes? New Hospital? What To Watch For At Cook County Board

Everything from legal weed to the hunt for a new CEO for Cook County’s health system is expected to come up this week when the Board of Commissioners holds first mtg of the year. WBEZ Radio

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  • Jan 15, 2020
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 15

U.S. Alcohol-Related Deaths Rising

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  • Jan 14, 2020
  • News from the Web

Pritzker lays out second-year agenda

The governor wants more of the same—like another balanced budget—and has an understanding with the mayor on a Chicago casino. Crain's Chicago Business

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  • Jan 14, 2020
  • News from the Web

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton Reflects On Four Decades In Springfield

After 41 years as a legislator in Springfield, including the last decade as Senate President, Chicago Democrat John Cullerton is bowing out of politics. WBEZ

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  • Jan 14, 2020
  • News from the Web

UIC expert calls for Gurnee school to be protected from EtO

A local expert on children’s health called for a Gurnee school and its students to be protected from emissions of carcinogenic ethylene oxide at a public presentation Sun. in Lake County. One Illinois

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  • Jan 14, 2020
  • News from the Web

Hospitals sue CMS again over site-neutral payments

Hospitals once again sued the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services over its site-neutral payment policy. Med City News

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  • Jan 14, 2020
  • News from the Web

Hospitals say they want affordable care, but actions aren't clear

Hospitals acknowledged to investors at this year's J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference that their industry is contributing to patients' financial turmoil. Axios

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  • Jan 14, 2020
  • News from the Web

Race and Medicine: The Harm That Comes From Mistrust

Racial discrimination has shaped so many American institutions that perhaps it should be no surprise that health care is among them. New York Times

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  • Jan 14, 2020
  • News from the Web

Concierge' Medicine Gets More Affordable, But Is Still Not Widespread

Some people pay $200 a month on the golf course or a fancy cable TV package, says David Westbrook, a hospital executive in Kansas City, Mo. NPR

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  • Jan 14, 2020
  • News from the Web

AP FACT CHECK: No, Trump Didn't Save Preexisting Conditions

President Donald Trump made a striking claim Monday, insisting it was he who ensured that people with preexisting medical problems will always be covered by health insurance. AP

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  • Jan 14, 2020
  • News from the Web

Taiwan’s single-payer success story — and its lessons for America

Diabetes, alcoholism, and heart disease are common problems among the Taroko. The indigenous people have endured displacement, forced assimilation, and discrimination over the centuries. Vox

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  • Jan 14, 2020
  • News from the Web

Chicago hospitals brace for more weed-related visits. Poison Center already taking calls on more cas

A number of Chicago hospitals either are seeing or expect to see an uptick in emergency room visits related to cannabis, now that recreational marijuana is legal in Illinois. Chicago Trib

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  • Jan 14, 2020
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 14

AHA Files Reimbursement Rate Lawsuit

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  • Jan 14, 2020
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 14

AHA Files Reimbursement Rate Lawsuit

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 14
  • Jan 13, 2020
  • News from the Web

Using marijuana is legal — but it can still get you fired. ‘Human resource professionals in Illinois

Now that recreational pot is legal in Illinois, marijuana enthusiasts may feel like it’s finally time to emerge from hiding. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jan 13, 2020
  • News from the Web

Illinois Farm Bureau addresses health care challenges

Brian Duncan, an Ogle County farmer, has led the charge for the last two years in trying to find an affordable health care option for Illinois Farmer Bureau members. The Southern

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  • Jan 13, 2020
  • News from the Web

Slow growing for Illinois: State economy grew slowly in 2019, ranked toward bottom in nation

The Illinois economy grew at a slower pace than most neighboring states and the nation as a whole during the third quarter of 2019, according to new figures released Friday. Capitol News Illinois

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  • Jan 13, 2020
  • News from the Web

Pew: Tax revenue exceeds pre-Great Recession levels in 45 states; Medicaid spending increased to 17

Tax revenue has reached or exceeded levels since before the Great Recession in 45 states, the highest number yet, according to updated 50-state data by the Pew Charitable Trusts. The Center Square

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  • Jan 13, 2020
  • News from the Web

Study: Medicaid expansion linked to 6 percent decline in opioid overdose deaths

Medicaid expansion was linked to a 6 percent reduction in opioid overdose deaths, according to a new study.  The Hill

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  • Jan 13, 2020
  • News from the Web

The Kratom Debate: Helpful Herb Or Dangerous Drug?

Kratom products are legal in most states and are widely available. NPR

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  • Jan 13, 2020
  • News from the Web

Smokers Need Not Apply: Fairness Of No-Nicotine Hiring Policies Questioned

When U-Haul recently announced it will no longer hire people who use nicotine in any form in the 21 states where such hiring policies are legal. KHN

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  • Jan 13, 2020
  • News from the Web

Two Big Drug Flops Show How Health-Care Economics Have Changed

For years, drug companies have enjoyed the freedom to charge high prices for their latest products. Bloomberg News

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  • Jan 13, 2020
  • News from the Web

Opponents to Supreme Court: No rush to take pivotal ACA case

The U.S. Department of Justice and a coalition of red states said the motions to expedite their challenge of the Affordable Care Act to the Supreme Court should be denied. Healthcare Dive

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  • Jan 13, 2020
  • News from the Web

Don’t get distracted from the need to fund vital mental health services in Winnebago County

Let’s not lose sight of the need to provide funding for mental health services so that our friends and neighbors who suffer mental health issues can access them. RRS Editorial

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  • Jan 13, 2020
  • News from the Web

Pana Hospital announce the completion of Phase II of their Building Expansion Project

Pana Community Hospital is excited to announce the completion of Phase II of its Building Expansion Project. WICS/WRSP

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  • Jan 13, 2020
  • News from the Web

Hospitals' dueling financial realities

As hospital prices rise and much of the sector continues to rake in cash, rural hospitals continue to shutter. Why it matters: Axios

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  • Jan 13, 2020
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 13

Reminder: IHA Seeks Price Transparency Feedback

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  • Jan 10, 2020
  • News from the Web

Chicago’s West Side community of East Garfield Park has been designated a Best Babies Zone

Chicago’s West Side community of East Garfield Park joins a national Best Babies Zone (BBZ) Initiative to address racial disparities.through place-based, multi-sector, and community-driven.WSUN

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  • Jan 10, 2020
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 10

Hospital Location May Impact Hospital Compare Rating

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  • Jan 09, 2020
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 9

ACA Open Enrollment Declines Again

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 9
  • Jan 08, 2020
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 8

AHA Releases Hospital Survey Data

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  • Jan 07, 2020
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

Did your doctor wash his hands? Chicago-area hospitals install technology to track hand hygiene

Running from patient room to patient room, it can be surprisingly easy for doctors and nurses to forget to wash their hands, especially if they’re dealing with an emergency. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jan 07, 2020
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

AI Technology Used to Detect Strokes at Chicago-Area Hospital

Strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in America, killing about 140,000 Americans every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. WTTW TV

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  • Jan 07, 2020
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 7

Grant Opportunity for IL Hospitals on Disparities

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  • Jan 06, 2020
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

Editorial: 100 years of a Chicago hospital: What if Mount Sinai had abandoned the West Side?

Ten to 15 times a week on average, a shooting victim arrives at Mount Sinai Hospital on Chicago’s West Side. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jan 06, 2020
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

Hospitals committed to communities

IHA commends the Tribune Editorial Board for recognizing Mount Sinai Hospital’s century of service to the city’s West Side Chicago Tribune Letter to Editor by IHA President & CEO A.J. Wilhelmi

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  • Jan 06, 2020
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

Our Health: OSF HealthCare teams save lives by reporting fatal flaw in Alaris Pump Model 8100

On any given day, nurses provide compassionate, and, often, life-saving care to their patients. The Telegaph

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  • Jan 06, 2020
  • News from the Web

Health officials: New HIV diagnoses on decline in Chicago

New HIV diagnoses in Chicago continue to go down and have declined for four consecutive years, according to figures released by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago’s health department. Associated Press

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  • Jan 06, 2020
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 6

IHA Welcomes New Board of Trustees

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Jan. 6
  • Jan 02, 2020
  • Press Release

Illinois Health and Hospital Association Elects New Board

IHA is pleased to announce its newly elected 2020 Board of Trustees. Board officers serve a one-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2020.

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  • Dec 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

Pritzker Administration Behind On Hiring Spree To Tackle Medicaid Application Backlog

Democratic Gov. Pritzker’s administration is lagging behind on a promised hiring spree to help tackle Illinois’ backlog of applications for the government-run Medicaid health insurance program. WBEZ

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  • Dec 18, 2019
  • Press Release

Ashley Jenkins Joins IHA's Government Relations Team

Ashley Jenkins, deputy chief legal counsel to the Illinois Senate President, is joining  the Illinois Health and Hospital Association as its director of government relations, effective December 31.

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  • Dec 16, 2019
  • Press Release

Holiday Plants Are Not on the Menu

The Illinois Poison Center--the nation's oldest poison center--warns of gastrointestinal distress from three common holiday plants.

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  • Nov 18, 2019
  • Press Release

Illinois’ Rural Hospitals Celebrate National Rural Health Day

Over 1.4 million Illinoisans live in rural regions and rely on their local hospital as a vital—and often only—source of care. IHA and ICAHN are proud to recognize National Rural Health Day on Nov. 21.

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  • Nov 15, 2019
  • News from the Web

Bill to cap insulin costs passed by Illinois Senate, heads to governor's desk

The Illinois Senate passed a bill Thursday afternoon that would cap the cost of insulin in the state. WIFR

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  • Nov 04, 2019
  • Press Release

MAPS PSO Presents Patient Safety Champion Award to a Rush Copley Medical Center Employee

MAPS PSO awarded Suzanne Khoury, a senior medical technologist at Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, with the MAPS PSO Patient Safety Champion award for preventing patient harm.

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  • Oct 07, 2019
  • Press Release

Is That a Mouse In Your House?

Nation’s oldest poison center offers rodent removal and prevention safety tips

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  • Sep 26, 2019
  • Press Release

IHA Honors Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems for Quality Initiatives with Significant Impact

Hospitals and health systems in Illinois devote significant resources to advancing patient care and safety. IHA recognizes those dedicated efforts through its Quality Excellence Achievement Awards.

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  • Aug 07, 2019
  • News from the Web

Doctors Argue Plans To Remedy Surprise Medical Bills Will ‘Shred’ The Safety Net

Chances are, you or someone you know has gotten a surprise medical bill. Kaiser Health News

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  • Aug 06, 2019
  • News from the Web

Medicaid managed care reforms signed into law

Gov. Pritzker said people applying for Medicaid benefits in Illinois will see those applications processed more quickly and healthcare providers will be paid more promptly. Capitol News Illinois

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  • May 01, 2019
  • Press Release

Illinois Hospital Leaders Urge Legislative Action on Needed Medicaid Managed Care Reforms

Hospital and health system leaders from across Illinois are urging the General Assembly to pass legislation on needed reforms to the state’s Medicaid managed care program before it adjourns May 31.

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  • Apr 04, 2019
  • Press Release

Illinois Hospital Leaders to Showcase Quality Improvement Initiatives at the State Capitol

4th Annual IHA Quality Advocacy Showcase on April 3 highlights statewide efforts to advance patient care, improve communities and reduce costs.

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  • Feb 28, 2019
  • Press Release

March is Illinois Poison Prevention Month

This week, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) kicks off Illinois Poison Prevention Month, which serves as a timely reminder of the substantial harm poisoning can cause to people of all ages.

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  • Feb 21, 2019
  • Press Release

IHA Innovation Challenge: Partners in Progress Award Presented

Patients in Illinois are benefiting from reduced sepsis infection rates and enhancements in antimicrobial stewardship due to the efforts of two exceptional IHA members.

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • Press Release

Comprehensive Medicaid Managed Care Reform Legislation Will Strengthen Illinois Medicaid Program

A comprehensive legislative package of Medicaid managed care reform bills strongly backed by the IHA and the hospital community has been introduced in the General Assembly.

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • Press Release

Karen Harris Named IHA Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Karen Harris will join the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) as its Senior Vice President and General Counsel, effective March 1.

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  • Jan 28, 2019
  • Press Release

IHA's Longest Serving Employee Retires

On Jan. 31, IHA will lose its longest serving employee.

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  • Jan 02, 2019
  • Press Release

IHA Elects New Board

The Illinois Health and Hospital Association is pleased to announce its newly elected 2019 Board of Trustees.

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  • Dec 17, 2018
  • Press Release

IHA Statement on Texas District Court Ruling on the ACA

Illinois hospitals and health systems are extremely deeply disappointed by the district court's decision. This ruling threatens access to healthcare coverage for one million Illinoisans.

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  • Nov 19, 2018
  • Press Release

Illinois Poison Center Warns About "Silent Killer" in Homes

The Illinois Poison Center notes an increase in carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter.

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  • Oct 17, 2018
  • Press Release

Sarah Macchiarola Named IHA Vice President, Federal Government Relations

Sarah Macchiarola will join the Illinois Health and Hospital Association as its Vice President, Federal Government Relations, effective Nov. 29.

Read More About Sarah Macchiarola Named IHA Vice President, Federal Government Relations
  • Sep 20, 2018
  • Press Release

Statement from A.J. Wilhelmi Re: Illinois Supreme Court Ruling in Oswald v. Beard

We are pleased that the Illinois Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the constitutionality of the state’s hospital property tax exemption law.

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  • Jun 21, 2018
  • Press Release

Statement from A.J. Wilhelmi: Federal Approval of Redesigned Hospital Assessment Program

Statement from A.J. Wilhelmi, President & CEO

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  • Jun 06, 2018
  • Press Release

MAPS PSO Presents Patient Safety Champion Award

The Midwest Alliance for Patient Safety (MAPS) Patient Safety Organization (PSO) awarded Valerie Skroch of Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers with the MAPS PSO Patient Safety Champion award.

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