Attorneys for Medicaid service providers in Illinois are asking for about $1.1 billion dollars in each of the next four months.
Despite the lack of a budget, a federal judge has ordered Illinois to move faster in reimbursing doctors and hospitals who treat Medicaid patients. Some doctors have been waiting six months for payments because the state is so far behind in paying its bills -- and they’re threatening to stop seeing low-income patients.
Comptroller Susana Mendoza said that, if the judge approves the massive payouts, then other budget items may not get funds -- such as schools, pensions, and payroll for state employees.