Children’s Memorial’s response to federal criminal complaint against Governor Blagojevich

December 9, 2008 – During 2008, Children's Memorial Hospital, along with other Chicago providers of pediatric sub-specialty services, provided testimony in Springfield and otherwise worked diligently to obtain funding from the State of Illinois that would adequately reimburse pediatric sub-specialists for the costs of providing much needed services to children covered by Medicaid. Such physicians are now paid approximately 33 cents on every dollar of costs. Details of these efforts are more fully described at www.wecareforillinoiskids.org.

Children's Memorial is very disappointed that the $8 million in Illinois funding that the pediatric providers of Illinois believed would enable them to care for Illinois neediest children has been tied to an alleged pay-to-play scheme. Neither Children's Memorial nor any of its personnel participated in such scheme.

If such allegations are true, Children's Memorial, pediatric physicians and the children of Illinois have been victimized.

Children’s Memorial is cooperating fully with federal authorities on this matter.