HB0706enr 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB0706 Enrolled LRB096 07690 DRJ 17791 b

AN ACT concerning veterans.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Veterans' Health Insurance Program Act of 2008 is amended by changing Section 45 as follows:

(330 ILCS 126/45)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2012)

Sec. 45. Reporting.

(a) The Department shall prepare an annual report for submission to the General Assembly. The report shall be due to the General Assembly by January 1 of each year beginning in 2009. This report shall include information regarding implementation of the Program, including the number of veterans enrolled and any available information regarding other benefits derived from the Program, including screening for and acquisition of other veterans' benefits through the Veterans' Service Officers and the Veterans' Assistance Commissions. This report may also include recommendations regarding improvements that may be made to the Program and regarding the extension of the repeal date set forth in Section 85 of this Act.

(b) The Department shall also arrange for the conducting of an evaluation regarding the availability of and access to health care for veterans who are residents of Illinois, taking into consideration the program established by this Act, programs and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and programs and services otherwise provided by and available through other public and private entities. The evaluation shall determine whether there are limitations or barriers to care, gaps in service, or other deficits that should be overcome to ensure that veterans are provided appropriate and high-quality care. The Department shall report on the results of this evaluation to the Governor and the General Assembly by March 1, 2010.

(Source: P.A. 95-755, eff. 7-25-08.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.