Metro East Sun

The Illinois House approved health reforms backed by the Legislative Black Caucus that would address inequalities.

The measure is expected to cost the state between $5 and $12 billion, which has some Republican lawmakers saying the state cannot afford the price tag when the state budget is already more than $42 billion.

"The heart of the ILBC Black Policy Agenda to address systemic racism was justice, and these critical measures will go a long way towards providing health care justice for underserved families in Illinois," Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Oak Park) said in a release, adding that the state has the resources to support the initiative within the $42 billion budget.

The 227-page bill, introduced by Lily, was drafted to ensure racial inclusion and diminish racial bias and inequalities among Illinois' health care system, as well as expand access opportunities for low-income residents. An amendment was also recently designed to modify dementia training requirements for the Department of Aging.

Other particularities listed on the bill for enhancement include a prescription system reformation, funding for safety-net hospitals, and a sickle cell anemia prevention program, among other objectives. The bill also proposes temporary discontinuing hospital closures, establishing a commission for Medicaid commissioning, and additional training requirements for health care licensure renewals.

While some Republicans supported the bill, others questioned the financial burden projected to cost the state between $5 billion and $12 billion.

Republican Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) suggested it was unfair to fund health care for the targeted communities when an additional $350 million K-12 education funding was placed on hold following budget cuts. Other Republicans also considered the financial weight when voting against the bill.

"One bill approved HB 158 has good intentions, however, I voted against the bill due to the fiscal impact estimated at $5-$12 billion," Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) said in a Facebook post. "The state can't meet its current obligations, let alone add another potential $12 billion in spending."

Democratic lawmakers, who attempted to pass a similar bill that didn't make it past a January General Assembly session, insist that health care improvements are worth the investment and will secure care for all residents.