Illinois Lawmakers on Exchange Panel Get Insurance Funds

The insurance industry is handing out cash to lawmakers who will play pivotal roles in setting up Illinois’ health-benefits exchange.

The exchange is supposed to make health insurance more affordable for consumers and small businesses. However, the Campaign for Better Health Care tells The (Springfield) State Journal-Register it is likely the contributions will prompt the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Legislative Study Committee to issue recommendations benefiting the insurance industry.

Democrats Frank Mautino and William Haine and Republicans JoAnn Osmond and Bill Brady are co-chairpersons of the committee.

The State Journal-Register reports the legislators have received a combined total of $70,800 from the insurance industry so far this year.

Three of the four co-chairs say contributions from the industry won’t affect their decisions. Haine, an Alton Democrat, didn’t return telephone calls.