SPRINGFIELD – Senator Dave Koehler led a resolution to urge the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to assess the state’s capacity to provide comprehensive care for individuals with brain injuries.

“This resolution seeks a thorough evaluation of our state’s resources and needs,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “It’s time we ensure Illinois residents receive the care they deserve, right here at home, without unnecessary costs associated with out-of-state care.”

Senate Joint Resolution 30 calls for an in-depth study of Illinois’ current care system for brain injury rehabilitation. Currently, Illinois Medicaid funds out-of-state specialized rehabilitation services—even though comparable services can be provided by in-state providers such as Sevita’s NeuroRestorative program, which operates in Bloomington, Carbondale and the Chicago area.

NeuroRestorative offers services that help individuals avoid institutionalization, leading to better outcomes and lower costs for the state. Yet, Illinois Medicaid has struggled to fund such specialized in-state programs due to reimbursement limitations, forcing individuals to seek care out-of-state.

SJR 30 was adopted by the Senate.