CHICAGO, IL - State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) has been appointed to a panel of 12 legislators to review current laws and make recommendations on how the federal Health Insurance Exchange will be implemented in Illinois.
"How the insurance exchange is implemented in each state will have major impact on how health care is delivered and how affordable or expensive it will be," Harris said. "We must be sure that this program provides the most health care at the least cost for Illinois families and workers."
Under Senate Bill 1555, which was recently signed into law, Illinois must establish a Health Insurance Exchange program that consists of a marketplace where individuals and businesses can purchase subsidized health care plans. In order to come up with this program, 12 legislators, including Rep. Harris were appointed to study and report on the implementation of the program in Illinois. The committee is required to report on the governance of the program as well as the financial sustainability of the exchange by September 30 in order to obtain the federal funds for the exchange.
The committee is made up of six members from the Illinois House and six members from the Illinois Senate. These members have be appointed by their respective leaders to ensure that there is a bi-partisan balance in the committee.
"I am looking forward to working hard with my Republican and Democratic colleagues from the House and Senate to make informed and carefully considered recommendations," Harris said. "By working together, I am confident we will improve the health care opportunities available to Illinois residents."
For more information on the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Legislative Study Committee or Senate Bill 1555, please contact Harris' constituent service office at (773) 348-3434 or e-mail him at greg@gregharris.org .