Press Release - Sunday, February 26, 2006
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"Public Health Advocates" will create CUB for health care consumers!
CHICAGO - Sunday, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn urged the General Assembly to pass SB2672 - legislation to create "Public Health Advocates," a not-for-profit corporation designed to protect Illinois health care consumers.
"Public Health Advocates will empower Illinois health care patients," said Quinn. "It's time to give health care consumers a way to band together."
Public Health Advocates will educate and advocate for health care consumers and help patients navigate red tape and cumbersome hospital billing practices. Based on the widely successful Citizens Utility Board (CUB), whose creation was spearheaded by Quinn in 1983, Public Health Advocates will serve as a non-partisan, member-based organization supported by donations and gifts.
The not-for-profit organization will:
· Help consumers understand health plans as well as complex billing and collection practices
· Help consumers understand changes in state and federal law affecting access to health care
· Advocate against health risks from certain medicines
· Investigate and blow the whistle on frauds or unfair practices
· Testify before committees and regulatory bodies
· Educate the community with workshops, seminars, counseling and direct correspondence
Quinn was joined by nationally recognized public health care advocate Dr. Quentin Young as well as representatives from AFSCME, and PIRG who also urged the General Assembly to pass the legislation. The bill - sponsored by Senator James Clayborne (D-East St. Louis) - needs to pass out of both chambers before the end of session on April 7.
"There are countless examples in the health field for which Public Health Advocates could support and educate," said Quinn, mentioning public health challenges facing Illinois communities such as the "epidemics" of dental decay, asthma and lack of decent health care. "We need a group like Public Health Advocates to tackle the issues we will face in the coming decade."
Increasing access to medical and dental services to create a healthier Illinois has been a top priority of Lt. Gov. Quinn. In 2001, Quinn hiked 167 miles from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan to promote decent health care for everyone.
For more information on Public Health Advocates, or any of the numerous health initiatives directed by Quinn's office, please visit: www.StandingUpForIllinois.org.
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