Legislative hearing on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and Springfield Clinic insurance cancellation

Lawmakers in the Illinois House Wednesday evening quizzed executives from both organizations. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – In a case which should have the attention of medical providers and insurers all over Illinois, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and Springfield Clinic have let their affiliations with one another expire.

Lawmakers in the Illinois House Wednesday evening quizzed executives from both organizations. “I’m not so sure what was accomplished tonight,” said State Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake), while State Rep. Sandy Hamilton (R-Springfield) said the parties should continue negotiating so health care would remain no less accessible.

“Not only are we dealing with the emotional devastation,” said Dr. Cheryl Brown, an ob / gyn, “we are dealing with a lack of accessibility to care for our patients.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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