SR0256 LRB095 12512 DRJ 37718 r

1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, A large proportion of diseases and disorders is
3 preventable; modifiable health risk factors are precursors to a
4 large number of diseases and disorders and to premature death;
5 and
 
6     WHEREAS, Modifiable health risks can be improved through
7 health promotion and disease prevention programs; and
 
8     WHEREAS, Health promotion and disease prevention programs
9 can save the State money in health care expenditures and
10 produce a positive return on investment; and
 
11     WHEREAS, According to a 2004 study, tobacco was the leading
12 cause of actual deaths in the U.S.; tobacco use was responsible
13 for 435,000 deaths, which was over 18% of total deaths in the
14 U.S.; and
 
15     WHEREAS, An analysis of 22 peer-reviewed studies showed
16 that for every dollar invested in health promotion, there was
17 an average savings of $5.81; there was an average reduction of
18 health care cost of 26%; and
 
19     WHEREAS, Based on 2001 data, if Illinois reduced smoking in
20 the Medicaid population by 10%, the savings would be $16

 

 

SR0256 - 2 - LRB095 12512 DRJ 37718 r

1 million; a 25% reduction would result in a savings of $40
2 million; a 50% reduction would save Medicaid $81 million; and
 
3     WHEREAS, Creating incentives for Medicaid recipients to
4 quit smoking will save money for the State and improve the
5 quality of life of the former smokers; the State does not have
6 to create the program from scratch but can enter into an
7 agreement with experts in the health-and-wellness field to
8 maximize immediate savings; therefore, be it
 
9     RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL
10 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the Department of
11 Healthcare and Family Services shall create an incentive-based
12 smoking cessation program for Medicaid recipients; the program
13 shall be in operation by January 1, 2008; the Department may
14 enter into an agreement with a third party to create or run the
15 program; and be it further
 
16     RESOLVED, That the Department shall report to the Senate by
17 January 1, 2009 on the progress of the program; and be it
18 further
 
19     RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be delivered to
20 the Director of Healthcare and Family Services.