MEDICAID-PEDIATRIC ASTHMA

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that during the 2004 fiscal year, the Department of Public Aid must begin an initiative to prevent and treat pediatric asthma. Provides that under the initiative, the Department must contract with health care providers for programs for the prevention and treatment of pediatric asthma through physician and patient education and case management. Requires implementation in the county or counties that have the highest volume or highest rate, compared to national averages, of hospitalization or mortality, or both, from pediatric asthma; requires that, at a minimum, a grant or grants be made each year in counties exceeding 3,000,000 in population. Effective immediately.