Big Win for the Patients of Illinois Today!

March 24, 2023

Illinois State Medical Society advocates to ensure patients have access to the healthcare they deserve

Statement Attributable to Rodney S. Alford, MD, MBA
President-Elect, Illinois State Medical Society

The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules today approved the Illinois Department of Insurance’s (DOI) rules to support compliance with and enforcement of the Network Adequacy and Transparency (NAT) Act.

The Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) had encouraged the Department to develop rules to ensure the provisions in the Act are implemented consistent with their legislative intent. In particular, we have stressed the importance of using the rulemaking process to strengthen protections related to making sure patients have access to proper healthcare provider networks and that consumers know what physicians are in those networks. The new rules also support continuity of care for patients during network transitions and maintaining the accuracy of provider directories.

ISMS commends DOI for establishing a Network Adequacy Unit with staff specifically dedicated to network adequacy and transparency issues.

The physicians of Illinois thank Governor Pritzker, DOI, and all members of JCAR, especially the co-chairs, Senator Cunningham and Representative Spain.

We urge DOI to fully enforce this law and to continue to hold insurance companies accountable to provide the healthcare they have promised patients.