Illinois Awards $4 Billion Prison Health Care Contract to Controversial Company

Wexford Health Sources, facing numerous lawsuits and criticism for substandard care, secures contract despite higher bid and high medical staff vacancy rates.

Illinois has awarded a more than $4 billion prison medical care contract to Wexford Health Sources, the same company it's used for three decades, despite multimillion-dollar lawsuits against the firm and statewide complaints alleging substandard care.
Wexford’s offer came in $673 million higher than one from VitalCore Health Strategies of Topeka, Kansas, according to a procurement announcement.
Wexford has been criticized for its performance, facing numerous multimillion-dollar lawsuits that accuse the company of delayed or shoddy health care and backlash for relying on off-site doctors to determine whether and what treatment is necessary.
Positions for medical professionals continue to suffer high vacancy rates, with roughly one-third of physicians' positions unfilled, while the vacancy rate for nurses and dental professionals is about 50%.
A panel of experts appointed by a federal judge concluded in 2015 that the Corrections Department's health care system was 'unable to meet minimal constitutional standards.'