Peter Roskam Endorses Karen McConnaughay for State Senate

A press release from Congressman Peter Roskam:

Congressman Peter Roskam endorses State Senate Candidate Karen McConnaughay; lauds efforts to reform Medicaid

U.S. House Chief Deputy Whip says McConnaughay will be “an immediate asset,” in Springfield

Elgin, IL—Citing her leadership skills, knowledge of government issues and her track record promoting government transparency and reform, Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL) today endorsed Karen McConnaughay in her bid for the Illinois State Senate in District 33.

“Karen has demonstrated the kind of principles we need at all levels of government, but nowhere more than in Springfield,” said Congressman Roskam.

“I know from my experience in the State Senate that Karen will be an immediate asset who will deliver for her constituents and I strongly support her candidacy.”

State Senate hopeful Karen McConnaughay converses with Congressman Peter Roskam and his wife Elizabeth at the Patriots United Breakfast last Saturday.

Roskam joined McConnaughay at the office of Todd Gephart, MD, an area physician, to discuss reforms to the state’s Medicaid program which is on a financially unsustainable path. The two pledged to work together to reduce costs of the program while strengthening its long-term commitment to needy residents.

“Medicaid must be reformed to reflect new realities in health care,” said McConnaughay, who currently serves as Chairman of the Kane County Board. “I will work with Congressman Roskam to obtain the federal waivers needed to tighten verification of eligibility, to reform the payment structure to providers and to maximize the use of cost-effective managed care. It won’t be easy or painless, but to protect the safety net for the truly needy, we have to show leadership now.”

“With a partner like Karen in the Senate, we can better advocate for broader, fundamental reforms and push for federal approvals of the reforms already passed,” said Congressman Roskam. “Improving Medicaid requires the kind of creative thinking and leadership Karen has shown,” he added.

Roskam added that McConnaughay’s experience increasing government transparency and improving the cost effectiveness of Kane County would be valuable skills in the legislature.

“Karen has shown a commitment to openness and reform that will help change the culture in Springfield,” he said.

Dr. Todd Gephart serves as Medical Director of Little Angels, an Elgin home for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities, most of whom are Medicaid beneficiaries. He also serves as Medical Director of Sherman West Court, a skilled nursing facility in Elgin.

“Care providers are increasingly squeezed by the dysfunction of Illinois’ Medicaid system. Low reimbursements and chronic payment delays are forcing many physicians to stop seeing Medicaid patients entirely, decreasing access. We need people like Karen and Peter to push for fundamental reforms for the sake of those most in need,” said Dr. Gephart.

Roskam and McConnaughay pledged to work together to establish tighter verification procedures to ensure Medicaid beneficiaries can certify their eligibility.

They also will work to reform the payment schedule for providers to significantly reduce the program’s costs while focusing on preventative care, quality and the use of technology.

They also called for the state to accelerate its move from a fee-for-service model to managed care much faster than currently proposed by the state.

The 33rd State Senate district includes northeastern Kane and southeastern McHenry Counties.

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McConnaughay is opposed in the Republican primary election for the open seat by former Gilberts Village Trustee Cliff Surges.


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