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.
State lawmakers are looking at adding sports betting and online gambling to the state’s gaming portfolio. Illinois News Network
A statewide series of forums this year found plenty of concern about the direction Illinois is heading. NPR Illinois
Today, our guest is Art Kubic. He's a pharmacist with the Illinois Poison Center. Radio Public
The whole point of health insurance is protection from financial ruin in case of catastrophic, costly health problems. New York Times
Health care has emerged as the top issue for voters headed into the midterm elections, but fewer than half of them say they are hearing a lot from candidates on the issue. Kaiser Health News
A single-payer healthcare system in the U.S. would break her practice, said the president of the American Medical Association (AMA). MedPage Today/HealthLeaders Media
Medicine involves leadership. Harvard Business Review
A new lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act has a new starring role in Democratic advertisements across the country. The Hill
Republicans could try again to repeal Obamacare if they win enough seats in U.S. elections next month. Reuters
Chance the Rapper announced [last] Thursday that he’s donating $1 million dollars to help beef up mental health services in Chicago. WBEZ
In his final budget address, Emanuel asked his allies to take a bow for making the tough decisions that have begun to solve the city’s $28 billion pension crisis. Chicago Sun-Times
Illinois is known for its money troubles. But the two men vying to become the next governor don’t share that problem. Bloomberg News
The focus on adequately addressing the rising cost transformation issues facing health systems has not resulted in significant progress, according to an annual survey. HealthLeaders Media
While immunization rates among young children in the U.S. remain high, the percentage who haven't received recommended vaccines has been growing. Fierce Pharma
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday it has received reports of 127 suspected cases of a polio-like condition called acute flaccid myelitis or AFM. NBC News
Johnson & Johnson, the world’s most valuable health-care company, says U.S. patients may avoid buying their medications if they see the prices in television ads. Bloomberg News
The federal deficit ballooned to $779 billion in the just-ended fiscal year a remarkable tide of red ink for a country not mired in recession or war. NPR
Rural Americans are preoccupied with the problems of opioid and drug addiction in their communities, citing it as a worry on par with concerns about local jobs and the economy. NPR
The first two hours after delivery are high risk for babies, even if they’ve been fine in utero and through labor and have good health screening scores at one and five minutes. Chicago Tribune
One year ago Carter Dredge joined SSM Health as chief transformation officer (CTO). HealthLeaders Media
Patients treated for opioid overdoses at two Oak Lawn hospitals are now leaving those facilities with medication that might save them the next time they overdose. Chicago Tribune
Two suburban-based nonprofit risk pools that provide more than 203 local municipalities with employee health-care insurance filed a joint lawsuit. Daily Herald
Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka is looking to join the Riverside Healthcare network. Daily Journal
Sarah Macchiarola will join the Illinois Health and Hospital Association as its Vice President, Federal Government Relations, effective Nov. 29.
Macchiarola to Lead IHA Federal Government Relations
Illinois' fiscal situation ranked dead last in America, according to a new study by George Mason University. USA Patch
The Trump administration has tapped Mary Mayhew, the architect of Maine's aggressive conservative reforms to the social safety net, to oversee the national Medicaid program. Politico
The CMS plans to require prescription drug manufacturers to their list prices in direct-to-consumer television advertisements, according to a proposed rule released Monday. Modern Healthcare
TV advertisements for drugs made by major U.S. companies will soon direct patients to information about the potential price of medicines. Reuters
Before the midterm elections heated up, dozens of drugmakers had already poured about $12 million into the war chests of hundreds of members of Congress. Kaiser Health News
The influential Leapfrog Group, which grades nearly 2,000 U.S. hospitals, is launching a national survey to evaluate the safety and quality of up to 5,600 surgery centers. Kaiser Health News
The nation's second-largest health insurer has agreed to pay a record $16 million to settle potential privacy violations in the biggest known healthcare hack in U.S. history. Associated Press
Doctors nationwide are burnt out and unsatisfied. Many want to quit the profession entirely, according to a new survey from the Physicians Foundation. Forbes
For millions of Americans who purchase their health insurance in the volatile individual market, the fall is greeted with dread. Fox News Opinion
Louise Tatum did what most women do when they find a lump in their breast –– she scheduled a mammogram. Chicago Sun-Times
America is known as the land of opportunity. Chicago Tribune
Maine Official Named Head of Medicaid/CHIP Programs
Gov. Rauner says his administration has put into place a managed-care program to make Illinois’ Medicaid program more efficient for taxpayers. State Journal-Register
All four candidates were asked 11 of the most important questions to help inform voters on who they are and where they stand on certain issues facing Illinois. NBC Chicago
Illinois State Rep. LaShawn Ford announced he has filed new legislation that will provide a safe environment in many of the state's public places. WBBM Radio
A 10th child in Illinois has now been diagnosed with the poliolike condition known as acute flaccid myelitis, which causes paralysis and difficulty swallowing. Chicago Tribune
Two local physicians are being honored with the 2018 Physician of Excellence Award from the Illinois Rural Health Association. The Southern
Sarah Barazza doesn’t have health insurance, but money was the last thing on her mind as she and her 15-month-old son raced to the hospital in an ambulance last year. Chicago Tribune
Inside the headquarters of the nation’s health insurance lobbies an increasing amount of time and money is being spent preparing for the coming debates in Washington. Forbes
The young man held the medication in his hand and considered using it to end his life. Kaiser Health News
Everyone has seen the ads or the products on the shelves. A dietary supplement that promises to make consumers skinny, without dieting or exercise. Kaiser Health News
A key part in the way the United States is changing how it pays for health care is feeling some growing pains. Citizens Voice
Health care experts widely expected the ACA to hobble Medicare Advantage, the government-funded private health plans that millions of seniors have chosen as an alternative to original Medicare.
“Health care,” said Rickert, 56, a hospice nurse. “It’s the top issue,” said Brown, 64, a hairdresser. Politico
Low-income people in states that haven’t expanded Medicaid are much more likely to forgo needed medical care than the poor in other states. Associated Press
Several Catholic hospital and community leaders called on people in their networks to oppose a proposed immigration rule change. Chicago Catholic
Mayor Emanuel will use his final budget address to try to underline his legacy on big-picture issues such as financial stability, education and public safety. Chicago Tribune
One small hospital is already gearing up for flu season after already treating two people who tested positive for the virus this month. KSDK TV
CMS Announces 2019 Medicare Premiums, Deductibles
Illinois investors are endorsing fiscal stability this election. Bloomberg News
Illinois’ candidates for governor again traded accusations over leadership, taxes and alleged corruption in a debate Thursday. Associated Press
Races up and down the state will determine who will be in the Illinois statehouse and could shape how the state addresses its massive pension debt. Illinois News Network
Bay Medical Center, a 300-bed hospital in the center of town, was a tumultuous mess. Staff were frantically working to evacuate patients just as new ones showed up. New York Times
For years, the Miller family has faced an uphill battle trying to find a diagnosis for their two sons, Carson and Chase. CBS News
Whatever the cluster of second-year students at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York expected to hear from an 82-year-old woman this probably wasn’t it. New York Times
Some patients refuse to answer. Many doctors don’t ask. Kaiser Health News
A small but growing proportion of the youngest children in the U.S. have not been vaccinated against any disease, worrying health officials. Associated Press
Medicare for All is popular because it would save people money and assure them the health care they need. Trump's only defense is to lie about my bill. USA Today
Cook County's health system intends to add more than 240 jobs next year to keep up with growth. Crain's Chicago Business
Chicago is set to file a second lawsuit today against Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the Department of Justice over federal funding for sanctuary cities.WGN TV
Rapper Kanye West, in a wide-ranging, free-flowing session with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office Thursday, talked about ways to reduce crime in Chicago. Chicago Sun-Times
Hospitals Making Progress on HAIs
CMS: Health Insurance Marketplace Premiums Drop
Illinois ACA Marketplace Rates Dropping for Many Plans
DOJ Awards $320M to Combat Opioid Crisis
OIG Issues Report Examining IRF Medicare Payments
IHA Advocacy Alert on OPPS Site-Neutral Cuts
The Illinois Poison Center strongly advises mushroom foragers to take caution when consuming any wild mushroom for any purpose, especially since many mushrooms can be misidentified.
The 8th Annual IHA Quality Excellence Achievement Awards were presented to leaders from two health systems and three hospitals during the IHA Leadership Summit on Sept. 25 in Lombard.
We are pleased that the Illinois Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the constitutionality of the state’s hospital property tax exemption law.
Luis Andrade, lead human services and Medicaid analyst for the Office of the Illinois House Speaker, joins IHA as its director of government relations, effective Aug. 6.
Nation's oldest poison center marks milestone anniversary.
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.
IHA opposes amendment to HB5245 that does not include key suggestions from the hospital community.
Over 90 Illinois hospitals and health systems displayed their efforts to improve quality care and patient safety while decreasing costs during IHA’s 3rd annual Quality Advocacy Showcase on April 12.
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.
Educate yourself with the Illinois Poison Center during Illinois Poison Prevention Month
The Illinois Health and Hospital Association commends the General for overwhelmingly approving Senate Bills 1773 and 1573.
Because of three exceptional Illinois Health and Hospital members, patients in Illinois are benefiting from reduced Clostridium difficile infection rates.
Nation's oldest poison center urges parents to be careful when storing products in their medicine cabinet
IHA is pleased to announce its newly elected 2018 Board of Trustees.
Statement from A.J. Wilhelmi, President & CEO, Illinois Health and Hospital Association