Being Part of A National Conversation
OSF HealthCare leadership was happy to host Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) on February 19. It was the first time the Peoria-based health system has had an extensive conversation with the state's junior Senator.
Included in the conversation were OSF HealthCare CEO Bob Sehring, President Sister Diane Marie McGrew, Chief Strategy Officer Michelle Conger, Chief Financial Officer Michael Allen, and Vice President of Government Relations Chris Manson.
We appreciate Senator Duckworth taking the time to meet with us, not only as an introduction to OSF HealthCare, but also to discuss some of the challenges faced by us and other Illinois health care providers. One of the areas we asked her assistance with concerns the ongoing struggle with the Medicaid funding shortfall. We encouraged her to support efforts to level Medicaid funding among states so OSF can continue to care for those we’ve been called to serve.
Other issues discussed included OSF's efforts to provide residents in communities it serves throughout Illinois the best level of care no matter where they are, rural health care, innovation efforts to help people age in place, and the collabortive work with social service providers to address needs in areas like behavorial health.
Senator Duckworth acknowledged the concerns expressed and how best to fill some of the funding gaps.
OSF leadership offered to be an ongoing resource for Senator Duckworth as she continues her work for the people of Illinois.