Ladisch Douglass Attends National Medicaid Policy Conference, Highlights Continuous Glucose Monitor Access Effort

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of her efforts to expand and improve health care access for Illinois residents, state Rep. Jenn Ladisch Douglass, D-Elmhurst, joined lawmakers from around the country this week in Washington for a Medicaid-focused conference that discussed challenges and solutions aimed at improving outcomes.

“If we want to pursue effective Medicaid and health care policies in Illinois, we have to be open to ideas and best practices we’re seeing in other parts of the country,” Ladisch Douglass said. “This conference has been a great opportunity to meet and engage policy leaders, and I look forward to sharing the information I learned with my colleagues back home.”

Organized by the Council of State Governments, the Medicaid Policy Academy was a three-day program that brought together state administration and legislative officials who are engaged with Medicaid programs and health care policy. Together, attendees met for presentations and workshops that discussed topics including legislative oversight, eligibility changes, waiver processes and coverage expansions.

Ladisch Douglass led a presentation on the federal approval of the Illinois Healthcare Transformation Section 1115 Demonstration waiver, which further empowers the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to expand Medicaid coverage. In particular, the effort aims to address root causes of health disparity – including housing and food insecurity. Violence prevention and intervention services, as well as help with incarceration transitions are also a priority of the initiative.

Additionally, Ladisch Douglass was able to highlight her own efforts in Illinois with Senate Bill 3414, a measure that helps more diabetes patients access lifesaving continuous glucose monitors (CGM) that provide individuals real-time updates on blood sugar levels. Her proposal – which was recently signed into law – requires insurance coverage for the devices, related supplies, a transmitter if necessary and training in the use of the device for any individual diagnosed with diabetes. It further cleared up barriers to coverage, particularly for those with type 2 diabetes. It also allowed more physicians to prescribe a CGM, and eliminated state rules that required a history of emergency room visits or hospitalizations prior to being able to use a CGM.

“Our policy decisions can have a real impact on the health and wellbeing of residents, and it’s critical that we are willing to put in the work necessary to overcome hurdles,” Ladisch Douglass said. “Medicaid policy can be complicated, but with so much at stake we have to make it a priority. This week’s discussions and collaboration have been very helpful and I look forward to continuing to work on these important policies.”

For more information, please visit https://www.csg.org/work/csg-policy-academy-series/medicaid-policy/ or contact Office.RepJLD@gmail.com.