Reis Encourages Governor to Sign Med Mal Bill

June 10 , 2005

Olney…. Saying that Illinois is but a signature away from taking a major step in resolving Illinois’ access to healthcare crisis, State Rep. David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) has written to Governor Rod Blagojevich asking him to support Senate Bill 475.

In the letter, Reis told the Governor that access to healthcare is in critical condition in Illinois. He added that for years insurance premiums have crept up to the point at which it is no longer feasible to doctors to practice in the state and that without meaningful reform, the continued exodus of Illinois physicians will put our families at risk.

“I co-sponsored this bill after witnessing the impact on expectant mothers due to the loss of well-respected, established family doctors in my district,” Reis said in the message to the Governor. He added that “some residents in my district have to travel to other counties if they want to deliver a baby.”

The 108th District Representative told the states chief executive that is why he participated in SaveOurOBs.com, to educate the public and allow others to share their difficult experiences. He went on to say that during the entire process the participants all echoed the same concern, adding that if a resolution is not reached soon Illinois families will be left without access to medical care.

Reis concluded the letter by telling the Governor that on behalf of the people his district, he was asking him for his support of the bill that places limits on non-economic damage settlements from doctors and hospitals. He said that “by stabilizing the settlements, insurance providers will be able to lower their premiums.”

According to the Ste. Marie Republican, the main issue in the passage of SB2062 is it will put those much needed caps into place. “The non-economic damages will be capped at $500,000 for physicians and $1 million for hospitals,” Reis said. “These caps will help keep malpractice insurance rates at an affordable price for the state’s doctors. Skyrocketing rates was the main reason healthcare professionals were leaving the state. They could no longer afford to pay for insurance. Leaving the state, quitting, or restricting their practice were their only alternatives.”