State Journal-Register: "Delays in paying health insurance bills hit home"

The Jan. 15 edition of the Springfield State Journal-Register shines a light on how some health providers are asking state and university employees, retirees and their dependents to cover costs that should be paid by the state.

It's yet another symptom of the state budget crisis that can only be solved by raising revenue.

An excerpt:

Armilla Berry has seen first-hand effects of state government's delays in paying health insurance bills for some employees and retirees.

Berry, 87, lives near Bluffs and receives dental coverage from the state because her late husband formerly worked at what is now the Jacksonville Developmental Center.

Berry was surprised when a dentist who performed root canals on her in October and November requested full payment at the time of service. She put the cost, a total of $1,520, on her credit card. She has submitted paperwork to the state for reimbursement, but hasn't been paid yet.

Karen Nobis, an assistant in the Jacksonville office of that dentist, Dr. Eldon Barrowes, said Barrowes asks but doesn't demand full payment on the spot. He has started to ask for the money because of five-month delays in payment from the state, Nobis said.

Berry said she hopes lawmakers pass a tax increase to ease the government's cash crunch.

"That's the only way we're going to get anything done," she said.

For the full story, click here and scroll down to the second and third items.