Medicaid Expansion To Help Illinoisans Afford Health Coverage

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Jul 22, 2013, 01:21 ET

AARP Commends Governor, State Legislators on Signing Senate Bill 26 into Law

Statement from AARP Illinois State Director Bob Gallo

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., July 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Senate Bill 26 is critical for the thousands of hard-working, financially struggling Illinoisans who, through no fault of their own, cannot afford health insurance.

We all know someone who in spite of working two or even three jobs, still is unable to afford health insurance or provide it to their families.

This law will help those hard working, good people who were left out of coverage others enjoy, including the thousands of individuals, ages 50 to 64, who were laid off in this tough economy and didn't have where to turn for the health coverage they needed, as well as veterans who proudly served our country and cannot afford basic insurance.

SB26 will provide to all of them the critical, preventative medical care that will keep them out of costly emergency rooms. The law will also save Illinois almost a $1 billion in Uncompensated Care costs over the next 10 years and will bring in $4.6 billion in federal funding in the next three years.

Senate Bill 26 is a win-win for Illinois. On behalf of our 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP commends State Senator Heather Steans and State Representative Sara Feigenholtz for their leadership in sponsoring this critical legislation and getting it passed through both chambers and Governor Quinn for signing it into law.

AARP also commends the nearly 160 advocacy, business and provider groups who worked along with AARP to help craft Senate Bill 26.

SOURCE AARP Illinois