SPRINGFIELD – To alleviate obstacles to affordable and accessible healthcare in Central Illinois, State Senator Doris Turner is calling on the governor’s office to use its statutory authority to defend people’s right to accessible and affordable care.

About a year ago, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois cut Springfield Clinic from its network, devastating more than 55,000 Blue Cross customers, many who are still struggling to find new doctors or file continuity of care requests with Blue Cross.

“Residents in the Springfield area have the right to affordable and accessible healthcare,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “A year later, I am still hearing from families, local businesses and individuals that matters are getting worse. It appears like the Blue Cross providers directory is out of date and that they are a significantly inadequate provider network to meet the health needs of Central Illinois residents.”

Turner sent a letter to the governor’s office asking for them to find a remedy to take quick action regarding BCBSIL’s provider directory and failure to meet network adequacy regulations or prohibit the company from selling inadequate plans for the 2023 plan year.

“As we find a meaningful solution, it is important that we work together to increase transparency by educating and warning consumers and employers to look out for plans with inadequate networks,” Turner said.

The governor’s administration did levy a $339,000 fine against the BCBSIL however, there isn’t a solution in place to address the inadequate coverage, long wait times and forcing residents to pay for essential services out of pocket.

“This has gone on long enough,” Turner said. “Residents should not have to compromise their health.”

Turner is asking the administration to work to swiftly settle this matter to ensure the residents of Central Illinois have access to affordable and easily accessible healthcare.