HR0818 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0818 LRB103 40884 MST 73843 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Adults living with autism have historically experienced difficulties accessing proper and responsive medical care; and

WHEREAS, As medicine has improved in providing diagnoses for people with autism, there has been an increasing number of adults with autism who have health care provided through Medicaid; and

WHEREAS, As children on the autism spectrum become autistic adults, Medicaid is an important insurance provider for an increasing number of autistic adults and can be a valuable resource for understanding the health of the autistic population; and

WHEREAS, It is critical to the health of people living with autism and to policymakers to understand barriers to care for adults with autism in the provision of Medicaid; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) operates the Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) to advise the department on policy and planning in the provision of medical assistance; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the Medicaid Advisory Committee is urged to examine and make recommendations that will expand the network of Medicaid enrolled specialty providers for persons with autism and is urged to assess the following, consulting with relevant stakeholders with lived experience and provider experts:

(1) Strategies to improve access for adult Medicaid customers experiencing autism to specialty providers, including, but not limited to, dentists, anesthesiologists, phlebotomists, and occupational therapists; and

(2) Ways to improve provider services under the Adults with Developmental Disabilities Waiver; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Medicaid Advisory Committee is urged to produce a strategic plan for improving access to health care services for people with Autism by December 31, 2025 that will include stakeholder input from the following:

(1) One representative of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services;

(2) One representative of the Department of Human Services;

(3) One representative of the Department of Insurance;

(4) One representative of the Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative;

(5) One representative from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities;

(6) One representative of the Illinois State Board of Education and/or an educator who specializes in working with children with Autism;

(7) Two parent advocates of persons with disabilities;

(8) At least one representative of each of the following provider groups:

(a) Dental care;

(b) Primary care;

(c) Behavioral Health; and

(d) Occupation, Speech, and Physical Therapy;

(9) At least four representatives of non-profit entities representing people with disabilities, including at least two representatives of rural areas and two representatives of Cook and collar counties;

(10) One representative of an advocacy organization focused on residents of Illinois SODCs, ICF-DDs; and

(11) One current employee of a Community Integrated Living Arrangement; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Medicaid Advisory Committee is urged to submit progress reports to the Governor and Illinois General Assembly by December 31 2024 and June 30, 2025 and a final report and strategic plan with measurable objectives to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2025; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department of Healthcare and Family Services is urged to provide administrative support to assist the Medicaid Advisory Committee in carrying out its duties.