IL Preferred Provider Programs (PPPs) Approval Process Update

There seems to be a growing consensus that the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) approval process for the new workers’ compensation preferred provider programs (PPPs) could continue through the rest of 2011. Employers would have the ability to designate an IDOI-approved PPP in early 2012. This article from Business Insurance supports our recent conversations with the IDOI regarding the PPP approval timeframe.

After receiving comments from interested parties on its draft rule, the IDOI is currently reviewing and evaluating the comments in order to create the administrative rules that will finalize the criteria required for IDOI PPP approval. The timeframe is also dependent on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules’ (JCAR) schedule. JCAR provides an overview of the IL rulemaking process on its website.

For networks, like HFN, currently awaiting final review in the IDOI’s PPP process, the release of the draft rule, and eventually the finalized administrative rules, is the final step towards establishing compliance with the IDOI and gaining its approval for their PPPs.