Advocates urge lawmaker curb on Medicaid managed care switch

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Eight social-service agencies have written Illinois lawmakers urging checks and restrictions on moving hundreds of thousands of Medicaid patients to managed care health care.

The letter to key legislators this week was obtained by The Associated Press. It questions the ability of HealthChoice Illinois to provide sufficient physicians and other health care providers, the low reimbursement rates for medical equipment providers, the inclusion of very ill "medically fragile" children and more.

The issues arise from the state's move of 800,000 Medicaid clients to managed care to cut costs.

Several lawmakers are studying the issues. Proposed legislation would reverse current rules on medically fragile children and the rate for medical-equipment reimbursement .

Department of Healthcare of Family Services spokesman John Hoffman says officials are cooperating with lawmakers on the concerns.