Advocacy

goals:

RRHC is a broad-based and inclusive organization who raises awareness of health disparities in the community, influences policy and advocates successfully in all areas of the community.

Objectives

  • Assess and address Access to Care issues.
  • Assess and address issues related to Behavioral Health care (encompassing mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities).

Accomplishments

Access to Care Forum: Medicaid Managed Care

Since 2016, Rockford Regional Health Council has partnered with the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans, Winnebago County Medical Society, and other community partners to host an annual Access to Care Forum: Medicaid Managed Care.  The 2016 forum was a panel discussion attended by approximately 75 individuals, to discuss the changing Medicaid environment in light of the State of Illinois’ move to Managed Care.

Beginning in 2017, the Forum’s identified goals have included:

  • Provide an update on Medicaid Managed Care in the State of Illinois – new rules, regulations, and forthcoming systemic changes.
  • Provide attendees with the opportunity to interface directly with representatives of all Managed Care Organizations offering plans in our community, to open lines of dialogue and communication and discuss specific issues of importance to participants and their organizations

 Representatives from all current Medicaid Managed Care Organizations have attended annually, as well as 75-100 participants from local health care and other organizations.  A broad spectrum of issues have been discussed and clarified.  Based on feedback received, the Forums have been a resounding success – both attendees and the Managed Care Plans themselves have indicated the value in building relationships between the Managed Care Organizations and health care providers, as well as indicating that specific issues/questions have been clarified.

Also, in response to key issues related to billing questions/concerns identified through our Forums, IAMHP published a Comprehensive Billing Guide for Medicaid Providers, designed to clarify the rules and regulations for billing for services to Medicaid beneficiaries.

Rockford Regional Health Council looks forward to continuing our partnership with IAMHP and WCMS, as we continue to advocate for systemic improvements in Medicaid Managed Care.

Legislative Breakfast

In April, 2019, the Council hosted a Legislative Breakfast at Rosecrance Health Network’s Griffin-Williamson Campus.  In attendance were State Representative Joe Sosnowski and State Senators Dave Syverson and Steve Stadelman.  Representative Maurice West provided additional comments prior to the event.  Approximately 60 individuals heard what issues were on the current legislative agenda, and were provided the opportunity to have their voices heard regarding issues of importance.