Protect Our Care Illinois (POCIL) believes that everyone deserves access to equitable, affordable, comprehensive health care no matter their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, income, ability or immigration status. We also believe that health care coverage is a right – not a privilege – and that any new health care policy that Illinois institutes should move the state toward universal coverage.
ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
Expand Coverage for All Immigrants
Build upon the Medicaid-like expansion secured for low-income undocumented seniors by securing health care coverage for all low-income Illinoisans (ages 19-64) with household incomes of up to 138 percent Federal Poverty Line (FPL), regardless of immigration status.
Bill Number: HB3493 (Rep. D. Ramirez)
Streamline and Refine the Medicaid Enrollment Process
Work with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to simplify Medicaid enrollment by making COVID-era improvements (e.g., presumptive eligibility) permanent, build on past efforts to simplify redeterminations, and improve ID proofing so Illinoisans without credit histories and addresses can manage their cases.
HEALTH CARE AFFORDABILITY
Make Premium Hikes Transparent & Empower the Department of Insurance to Reject Unreasonable or Discriminatory Increases
Advance legislation that would empower the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) to reject unreasonable or discriminatory premium rates proposed by insurance companies for the individual and small group markets. This bill also gives Illinois consumers the opportunity for the first time to view and comment on proposed rates before they become finalized by DOI.
Bill Number: HB146 (Rep B. Morgan) / SB1590 (Sen. L. Fine)
Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable
Lower the out-of-pocket cost for Illinoisans’ prescription drugs by requiring all insurers to offer plans that use only flat-dollar / predictable co-pays for prescription drugs or require that plans have a flat-dollar co-pay cap.
Bill Number: HB1745 (Rep. G. Harris) / SB275 (Sen. S. Bennett)
RACIAL EQUITY & HEALTH JUSTICE
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines are equitably distributed in communities most-heavily impacted by both systemic racism, health inequity and the COVID-19 pandemic, namely those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC).
Reduce Inequities Through Enhanced Data Collection Efforts
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) does not currently collect data related to race, sexual orientation / gender identity (SOGI) or disability status during COVID-19. In order to reduce inequities facing these communities, POCIL is calling upon IDPH to collect and publicize this data.
Bill Number: SB2133 (Sen. S. Simmons)
Health Care Affordability Study
Continue advocating for equitable policies and practices that would increase all Illinoisans’ access to safe, affordable health care coverage, but especially those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
Founded in 2017 to combat the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Protect Our Care Illinois (POCIL) is a diverse statewide coalition of more than 100 health-focused, people-centered organizations, all of whom are dedicated to ensuring all Illinoisans have access to high-quality, equitable, and affordable health care coverage. For more information about any of these priorities or to learn how you can join Protect Our Care Illinois, contact Logan Charlesworth, Coalition Manager, at info@protectilcare.org.