CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois lawmakers and the state's hospitals have reached a tentative agreement on a new method of spreading billions of dollars in federal Medicaid money to hospitals across the state.

But some of Illinois' 22 so-called "safety net" hospitals that serve a high volume of Medicaid patients could lose money under the new program. That's prompting concerns hospitals may have to cut services, lay off staff or even close.

Illinois distributes $3.6 billion through an assessment on hospitals matched by federal money to cover Medicaid costs.

A.J. Wilhemi (wihl-HEL'-mee) is president and CEO of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association. He says the revision will benefit the safety-net hospitals.

But the CEO of at least one hospital serving a poor Chicago community says the deal means no new money.

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