The state of Illinois covers health insurance benefits for tens-of-thousands public employees.
Health care providers are not getting paid because there is no spending plan for the current fiscal year.
But there are options for those who can't hold out for a budget resolution. Companies can help them keep their doors open by advancing them a cash infusion. These businesses collect the money from the state when it eventually comes -- along with the hefty interest charges Illinois is required
Brian Hynes, founder of Healthcare Finance, says his company keeps businesses open and workers getting paychecks.
"The calls we get when it's 'If we don't have money by Wednesday, we're not going to make payroll,' those are the calls that my employees love," he said.
Healthcare Finance is currently financing about $550 million in state employee health insurance past due claims through private lenders.
