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.
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
