Bill will have ‘devastating impact’ on health care system
As a hospital leader, who is proud of our courageous health care professionals for their continued heroic efforts on the front lines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge the governor to veto House Bill 3360. HB3360 will have a devastating impact on patients, hospitals and the health care system.
In January, this legislation quickly passed in the waning hours of the General Assembly’s lame-duck session, with no deliberation, discussion or debate. The bill mandates a 9% annual prejudgment interest in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including medical liability cases. An exorbitant interest rate accrues even before the filing of a lawsuit.
The consequences of this bill are clear. It will increase health care costs, drive physicians and specialists out of Illinois, and cause physicians in training to avoid Illinois as a workplace. HB3360 will further jeopardize patients’ access to care, especially in our most vulnerable communities.
The Illinois Health and Hospital Association conservatively estimates that statewide, this legislation will cost hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and maybe up to $1 billion. These dollars will come directly from hospitals’ bottom lines (most of which are self-insured), not from insurance policies. Furthermore, the legislation will divert from patient care resources to unnecessary, unfair and exorbitant legal costs and settlements.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for my hospital, and hospitals across the state. HB3360 will only intensify the financial burden on health care providers and hospitals as they continue to serve their patients and communities in the most challenging of circumstances.
I urge Gov. Pritzker to veto HB3360 and support hospitals and health care professionals working day and night to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Norman Stephens, FACHE, chief executive officer, Vista Health System
