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.
A federal court blocked a Trump administration policy set to kick in that would withhold green cards from immigrants who receive public benefits in areas such as healthcare. Chicago Sun-Times
As winter weather rolls in, the Illinois Poison Center is warning homeowners to take care when using baits or poisons, which led to 325 exposure calls to the center last year. Jacksonville Courier
It is officially flu season and doctors said one strain of the flu is expected to be especially severe this year. KDRV TV
Healthcare spending in the U.S. is too high; Drug prices in the U.S. are growing rapidly; Drug prices in the U.S. are higher than they are in other parts of the world. Forbes
A critical drug that serves as the backbone of treatment for most childhood cancers has become increasingly scarce; doctors warn they may soon be forced to consider rationing doses. New York Times
When Will tried his first vape during his sophomore year, he didn't know what to expect. It was just something he had vaguely heard about at school. NPR
Vaping-linked lung injuries that have killed 29 and sickened more than 1,000 people in the US are likely to be rare in Britain and other countries where the products are not widely used. Reuters
Nearly half of U.S. adults say that substance abuse problems have affected someone in their family, according to a new Gallup poll released Monday. The Hill
The day President Trump was sworn in he signed an executive order instructing administration officials "to waive, defer, grant exemptions from, or delay" implementing parts of the ACA. NPR
Construction is finally complete on Rush Oak Park Hospital’s new $30 million state-of-the-art emergency department, and the building is expected to welcome its first patients this month. Oak Leaves
IHA Wraps Up Special Region Member Meetings
When marijuana shops open their doors to the public in January, shoppers at the back of the line might notice something missing once they get inside: the weed. Chicago Tribune
"I could see my dad was not at ease after three months of being bedbound," she said. Pantagraph/State Journal-Register
In 2009, not long after Dr. Margaret Hamburg became commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, a package arrived at her home. New York Times
In the spring, Kathleen Fimple buried her husband, John, and by the fall, she had reluctantly settled into her new life as a widow. New York Times
Nonprofit hospitals admit they sent $2.7 billion in bills over the course of a year to patients who probably qualified for free or discounted care. Kaiser Health News
A federal appeals court questioned the Trump administration's work requirements for Medicaid recipients, casting doubt on an effort to place conditions on low-income people. Associated Press
Suicide attempts that were self-reported by black teens have spiked since 1991, even as their peers in other groups have experienced a downward trend or remained unchanged. Chicago Tribune
Blake McKinney is a doctor with medical licenses in 49 states and a 50th likely on the way. CNBC
A decision in the latest court case to threaten the future of the Affordable Care Act could come as soon as this month. NPR
“Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that lives on everyone's skin," says Dr. Tina Tan, who specializes in infectious diseases. Daily Herald
While Chicago’s high number of gun-related murders get nationwide attention, the thousands of victims who survive shootings every year often get overlooked. Chicago Sun-Times
Joint Letter to IL Delegation Supports IPC Funding
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is ready to sign a pair of ethylene oxide regulatory bills should the General Assembly pass them, a representative of his office told a House committee. Capital News Illinois
Gov. Pritzker unveiled a plan to merge roughly 650 local pension funds for suburban and downstate police officers and firefighters into two statewide funds to narrow a funding gap. Chicago Tribune
The Trump administration instructed doctors to use more caution when taking chronic pain patients off opioids, a response to reports that many have cut off prescriptions too quickly. New York Times
Over the span of more than 20 years and three presidents, as surgeons general we’ve confronted more than our fair share of devastating public health crises. Orlando Sentinel Commentary
More states are taking control of their health insurance marketplaces to take advantage of cost savings, increase their autonomy, and support wide-ranging health reform efforts. Modern Healthcare
How can the United States better control its health care costs and quality and still achieve universal coverage? Harvard Business Review
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on Thursday presented a nearly $6.2 billion spending plan that steers clear of new taxes or fees to pay for it. Chicago Tribune
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle was at a loss to explain how she planned to handle nearly $600 million for healthcare the county provides but for which it is not paid. Chicago Sun-Times
Judge Blocks Public Charge Rule
Rising costs. Long drives to see a doctor. Months-long waits to see a specialist. The Southern
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has released a five-year economic plan for Illinois that builds on the state’s strongest sectors such as agriculture, health care and transportation. WGN TV
Still a year away from when voters will decide, a new poll shows there is widespread support for a graduated state income tax in Illinois. State Journal-Register
The Trump administration proposed overhauling old Medicare rules originally meant to deter fraud and abuse but now seen as a roadblock to coordinating better care for patients. Associated Press
Vapers across the country are swarming Twitter, the White House comment line and statehouse steps with the message “We Vape, We Vote.” Kaiser Health News
Imagine a government program that would mobilize volunteers to help older adults across the nation age in place. Kaiser Health News
Efforts to screen students for suicide risk and standardize procedures for helping those in need have been "a real-time savior for students" in Naperville Unit District 203. Daily Herald
OSF HealthCare will be expanding into the Chicago area after the organization finalized a deal with Little Company of Mary Hospitals and Health Centers in Southwest Chicago. WEEK
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will present a $6.2 billion spending plan that covers the smallest deficit she has faced since 2010 and proposes no new taxes or fees. Chicago Tribune
DCFS, HFS Delay Medicaid Managed Care Expansion
Poison control officials want people to be cautious in how they use poison as the weather turns cooler and mice and rats seek out warmer places. The Center Square
The Trump administration proposed changes to federal anti-kickback provisions that restrict the kinds of patient referrals doctors can make. Physician’s Weekly
Hospitals and health systems understand and share consumers’ frustrations with understanding how much they will be expected to pay for care. Modern Healthcare Letter from AHA President Rick Pollack
Dr. Anna Nguyen spoke with none of the five patients she treated on a recent weekday morning. Associated Press
The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Salina opened in 2011 a one-building campus in the heart of wheat country dedicated to producing the rural doctors the country needs. Kaiser Health News
Colorado state agencies unveiled a draft proposal of a public insurance option that they say could reduce residents' average monthly premiums, largely by paying hospitals less. Modern Healthcare
Within months of turning 75, my significant other was facing surgery his first ever. Chicago Tribune
US Senator Bernie Sanders said he had wrongly ignored warning signs about his health before suffering a heart attack last week, but that he did not think the scare would damage his campaign. Reuters
Most pregnant women in the United States don't get flu and whooping cough vaccines even though the shots are safe and recommended as part of routine prenatal care. CNN
U.S. infections from three sexually transmitted diseases have risen for the fifth consecutive year. Associated Press
AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center is eyeing a multimillion-dollar project that would create space for a heart hospital in the existing hospital. The Herald-News
Sarah Boudreau-Romano knew all about food allergies. Chicago Tribune
IHA applauds HHS for taking meaningful action to update the Physician Self-Referral Law (the “Stark Law”) and the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute with its proposed changes to regulations.
HHS Proposes Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute Reforms
Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin received an IHA award for its mobile integrated program where paramedics visit patients at home to help them manage conditions, avoid readmission. Daily Herald
Chicago HEAL Initiative Report Released
Nation’s oldest poison center offers rodent removal and prevention safety tips
The economy added 136,000 new jobs in September, the government said Friday. Economists polled by MarketWatch had forecast a 150,000 increase. MarketWatch
Immigrant Visas Suspended for Uninsured
Special IHA Member Meetings Begin
On Wednesday, the hospital and city leaders held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the hospital’s new women’s center. WGEM TV
BJC HealthCare, the area’s largest employer, announced plans Wednesday to increase its minimum hourly pay to $15 per hour. St Louis Post Dispatch
It's October 1st and the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. ABC 7 TV
14 Organizations Receive Well-Woman Care Grants
CMS Seeks Info on 340B Drug Acquisition Costs
Chicago aldermen are urging Mayor Lori Lightfoot to lift the city’s ban on video gambling and, if a massive property tax increase is unavoidable, phase it in. Chicago Sun-Times
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.
Cook County’s government and a prominent advocacy group sued President Trump’s administration over its planned changes to immigration rules this week. Chicago Tribune
Nearly 70 Illinois residents are among 530 people across the country who have been hospitalized and diagnosed with vaping-related breathing illnesses, according to health officials. WTTW TV
CDC Activates Emergency Operations Center
The rate of Americans without health insurance rose last year for the first time since the Affordable Care Act took effect in 2014. CNBC News
Chances are, you or someone you know has gotten a surprise medical bill. Kaiser Health News
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
Sterigenics said that it has applied for permits to upgrade emissions controls at its Willowbrook, Ill. medical device sterilization plant. Medical Design & Outsourcing
A scientific panel has downgraded its recommendation that all retirement-age Americans get a vaccination against bacteria that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and other illnesses. Associated Press
A bill that passed would give the state more oversight over companies criticized for slashing payments to independent pharmacies that serve low-income patients. Gatehouse Media Illinois
People over 65 represent roughly 16 percent of the American population, but account for 40 percent of patients undergoing surgery in hospitals. New York Times
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.
4th Annual IHA Quality Advocacy Showcase on April 3 highlights statewide efforts to advance patient care, improve communities and reduce costs.
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.
Patients in Illinois are benefiting from reduced sepsis infection rates and enhancements in antimicrobial stewardship due to the efforts of two exceptional IHA members.
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.
Karen Harris will join the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) as its Senior Vice President and General Counsel, effective March 1.
On Jan. 31, IHA will lose its longest serving employee.
The Illinois Health and Hospital Association is pleased to announce its newly elected 2019 Board of Trustees.
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.
The Illinois Poison Center notes an increase in carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter.
Sarah Macchiarola will join the Illinois Health and Hospital Association as its Vice President, Federal Government Relations, effective Nov. 29.
We are pleased that the Illinois Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the constitutionality of the state’s hospital property tax exemption law.
Statement from A.J. Wilhelmi, President & CEO
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.
Illinois’ more than 200 hospitals and nearly 50 health systems generate a total impact of $95.3 billion annually on the state’s economy, according to an IHA report.