(a) During fiscal year 2006, the Department of Public Aid shall evaluate current standards of treatment of asthma for its beneficiaries. The review may include state-of-the-art programs in asthma disease management as well as evidence-based best practices for the early diagnosis, treatment, and control of asthma, particularly in children. The Department’s review may include asthma disease management as one component of a comprehensive disease management model. The Department shall consult with the Department of Public Health and other State agencies, advocates, and providers in conducting this review. The Department’s review shall also seek to maximize collaborations between existing asthma programs in the State of Illinois. The review shall also assess the available methods of implementing and funding asthma disease management and treatment within the Medicaid program.
     (b) After completing the review under subsection (a), the Department of Public Aid shall develop a pilot asthma disease management program. The pilot program shall be targeted to an area or areas with the highest prevalence of asthma. The Department shall consult with the Department of Public Health and other State agencies, federal health agencies, experts in asthma and immunology, providers, and consumers in developing the pilot program. The pilot program shall also seek to maximize collaborations between existing asthma programs in the State of Illinois. The pilot program shall be subject to specific appropriations or budget savings derived from the program due to reduced asthma-related hospitalizations or emergency room visits.