North Cook News

Postponed consideration for a health insurance bill that would strip the governor’s ability to file for a federal waiver was finalized without GOP approval during the May 29 House floor debate.

Passing 67-48, HB 4165, which is sponsored by Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971 by prohibiting the governor from applying for any federal waiver to reduce coverage required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) without the approval of the General Assembly.

One of the first to debate the bill was Rep. Patricia Bellock (R-Hinsdale), who said that while she often backs the sponsor, she could not support HB 4165.

“I still find it slows up the process, and it takes away some of the flexibility we have by mandating this into statue, and, therefore, I would suggest we still be no on this bill,” Bellock said.

Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) began his argument by reminding Harris that the General Assembly passed a bill a few years ago expanding the Medicaid population as part of the Affordable Care Act.

“Would the legislature first have to approve a waiver to what’s automatically triggered by a statue we previously passed?” Demmer asked.

According to Harris, an amendment may have to be passed.

Rep. Steve Andersson (R-Geneva) wanted to know if the bill had any sunset clause and was told by Harris that it does not. Andersson said it should be titled differently and not put under the Affordable Care Act title. 

“What you are doing is shifting from the executive branch to the legislative branch the ability to apply for waivers with the federal government,” Andersson said.

“Your absolutely right," Harris replied. "It is just about who makes the decision about... healthcare. Do we want to see... the governor... make an irrevocable decision with the federal government over which we have no control?”  

Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) said that for a state and “dysfunctional General Assembly” that already has fiscal issues, the bill only denies further flexibility to move Medicaid dollars if needed. 

“I don’t think we want to see the horse-trading that goes on in this General Assembly tying the hands of the executive branch,” Breen said.

He said the bill’s restriction is not provided under federal law, and not seen in many other states. 

“There is a reason that all of the relevant agencies oppose it—because it is not a good idea,” Breen said.   

HB 4165 also passed the Senate in a 35-20 vote on May 31 and will now move to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk.