Illinois doctors fight Medicaid HMO plan

Providers are steamed up over an Illinois proposal to force some of the state's Medicaid patients to enroll in HMOs, possibly forcing some out of their care.

Because the plans haven't been popular with patients, health plans haven't had much luck with getting to this market, capturing only a tiny fraction of the state's Medicaid population. However, the plans have convinced some decision-makers in the governor's office that testing a mandatory managed care plan is the way to go.

Now, the state is considering setting up a pilot program which would require Medicaid patients in two counties to participate in HMOs. The plan has doctors and hospitals upset, however, as HMOs could limit patients' access to the providers they already use. 

To learn more about the dispute:
- read this article from the Chicago Tribune

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