Gov. Quinn's Medicaid chief to leave 'hardest' job

CHICAGO (AP) - The director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services plans to resign Jan. 9 as part of the transition to Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner's administration.

Julie Hamos, 65, oversees the largest state agency and has responsibility for the $18 billion Medicaid program, which pays medical expenses of the poor and disabled, including the cost of more than half the state's childbirths.

In a statement Friday, the former Democratic legislator said leading the department has been "one of the most fulfilling jobs I've ever had - as well as the hardest."

"Despite our limited resources, bureaucratic hurdles and tight deadlines, we have tackled very tough challenges and mostly succeeded in achieving our goals," Hamos said.

Appointed to the post by Gov. Pat Quinn in 2010, Hamos carried out extensive cuts to Medicaid services to bring the program's budget into line, a Quinn priority. That chafed some black and Hispanic lawmakers, who then pushed unsuccessfully for Quinn to replace her.

The Democratic governor stood by her with an unusual maneuver when it appeared her reappointment was in jeopardy last year. He withdrew her name, then re-nominated her, which reset the clock for her confirmation and bought her more time.

Hamos was never far from controversy. She oversaw a Medicaid eligibility crackdown using a private company that Republicans had supported, angering the state's largest public-employees union. Last spring, her department was hit with an Illinois audit finding the Medicaid program overpaid $12.3 million for medical care for nearly 3,000 people who were dead.

Among achievements Hamos listed in her statement: the expansion of managed care in the Illinois Medicaid program, the expansion of coverage under President Barack Obama's health care law and upgraded technology systems. She also noted child support initiatives "such as working with fathers on parenting, making child support information available on cell phone and intercepting gambling winnings at casinos."

Hamos has worked as an attorney and community advocate. She didn't disclose her employment plans.

"I've been privileged to work with many energetic and bright people during my tenure at HFS," Hasmos' statement said. "I want to thank the great team we have at the Department and in state government, and everyone else with whom I've worked for their commitment to the Illinoisans we serve."