Executive Order Number 10-12

Executive Order Number 10-12 (PDF, 192 KB)

Executive Order Creating the Illinois Health Reform Implementation Council

WHEREAS, 1.8 million Illinoisans do not have private or public health insurance coverage; and

WHEREAS, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was enacted by the Congress of the United States and signed into law by the President of the United States on March 23, 2010 and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Affordable Care Act”) was enacted by the Congress of the United States and signed into law by the President of the United States on March 30, 2010; and

WHEREAS, the Affordable Care Act relies on state governments to implement comprehensive health insurance reforms that will improve the accountability of health insurance companies, lower health care costs, guarantee more health care choices, and enhance the quality of health care for all Americans; and

WHEREAS, one objective of the Affordable Care Act is to provide affordable health care coverage for families; and

WHEREAS, another objective of the Affordable Care Act is to stabilize the cost of health care coverage provided by employers to employees; and

WHEREAS, the Affordable Care Act strengthens Medicare benefits by lowering prescription drug costs for those in the Part D ‘Donut Hole,’ enhancing chronic care, and offering free preventive care; and

WHEREAS, the Affordable Care Act will impact families and children, individuals, people with disabilities, seniors, young adults, and small and large businesses throughout Illinois; and

WHEREAS, effective coordination among State of Illinois executive branch agencies and the General Assembly regarding implementation of the Affordable Care Act will ensure that the people of Illinois receive immediate and full access to all health care coverage, insurance protections, expanded access to care and federal subsidies to ensure affordability; and

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, pursuant to the supreme executive authority vested in me by Article V of the Illinois Constitution, do hereby order as follows:

1. CREATION

   There is hereby created The Illinois Health Care Reform Implementation Council (hereinafter “Council”) having the duties and powers set forth herein. Members of the Council shall be appointed by the Governor and shall include the following individuals or their designees:

   1. A designee of the Office of the Governor
   2. Director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services
   3. Director of the Department of Insurance
   4. Director of the Department of Public Health
   5. Director of the Department on Aging
   6. Secretary of the Department of Human Services
   7. Director of the Office of Health Information Technology
   8. Director of Central Management Services
   9. Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget
   10. Director of the Department of Labor
   11. Secretary of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

   The designee for the Office of Governor shall serve as the Chair of the Council and the Directors of the Department of Insurance and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall serve as the Vice-Chairs. Administrative support to the Council shall be provided by the agencies appointed to the Council. The Council may access donations of labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency or person.

2. PURPOSE

   The purpose of the Council is to recommend to the Governor what changes should be initially implemented to ensure the State is improving the health of residents by increasing access to health care, reducing disparities, controlling costs, and improving the affordability, quality and effectiveness of health care consistent with the Affordable Care Act. The Council shall make recommendations on, but not be limited to, opportunities and responsibilities in the Affordable Care Act for states to:

   1. establish a health insurance exchange and related consumer protection reforms; and
   2. reform Medicaid service structures and enrollment systems; and
   3. develop an adequate workforce; and
   4. incentivize delivery systems to assure high quality health care and achieve desired outcomes; and
   5. identify federal grants, pilot programs, and other non-state funding sources to assist with implementation of the Affordable Care Act; and
   6. foster the widespread adoption of electronic medical records and participation in the Illinois Health Information Exchange.
3. FUNCTION
   1. In carrying out responsibilities, the Council shall hold public meetings in regions across the State for the purpose of informing the public about the opportunities and responsibilities under the Affordable Care Act, soliciting recommendations for the implementation of the six areas listed above, and reporting on those recommendations. Members of the General Assembly shall be invited to attend and participate in each informational session.
   2. On or before December 31, 2010, the Council shall make initial recommendations to the Governor.
   3. Following December 31, 2010, the Council shall periodically report to the Governor on the implementation of the recommendations developed to assure maximum benefit to Illinois residents pursuant to the Affordable Care Act.
4. TRANSPARENCY

   In addition to any other applicable laws, rules, or regulations, all aspects of The Illinois Health Care Reform Implementation Council shall be governed by the Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1 et. seq, and the Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/1 et seq. This section shall not be construed so as to preclude other statutes from applying to the Council or its activities.

5. SAVINGS CLAUSE

   Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to contravene any state or federal law.

6. SEVERABILTIY

   If any provision of this Executive Order is found invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

7. EFFECTIVE DATE

   This Executive Order shall be take effective upon filing with the Secretary of State immediately upon its execution.