AARP Applauds Passage Of Medicaid Expansion, Urges Governor To Sign

Statement from AARP Illinois Advocacy Manager, Nancy Nelson

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May 28, 2013, 06:36 ET

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Today, the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill that will bring much needed relief to thousands of hard-working Illinoisans who are struggling financially and cannot afford health insurance. Senate Bill 26, which passed out of the House by a vote of 63-55 and the Senate by a vote of 39-20, expands the federal Medicaid program in Illinois, at no cost to the state. AARP commends the General Assembly for passing the bill and urges the Governor to sign the bill into law.

Too many Illinoisans simply do not have access to health insurance even though they are working. Senate Bill 26 will help to ensure that over 342,000 previously uninsured Illinoisans, 60% of whom are employed, have access to preventative medical care that will keep them out of costly emergency rooms. Expanding Medicaid will also bring $4.6 billion into Illinois in provider payments.

The time to expand Medicaid is now. Illinois simply cannot afford this unique win-win opportunity. Over 342,000 uninsured Illinoisans are counting on the Governor to do the right thing and sign Senate Bill 26 into law."

SOURCE AARP Illinois