After 11 years, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is now a fundamental part of the fabric of the American health care system, alongside Medicare and Medicaid, providing millions with access to coverage, care and critical consumer protections. The law has led to historic reductions in racial inequities in health coverage and is more popular than ever. 

Protect Our Care IL (POCIL) knows that the ACA is not something to be taken for granted. Our coalition was born four years ago out of the necessity to protect against the imminent repeal of the ACA. While we were victorious in our fight to keep the ACA as law of the land, opposition to the law still exists. The ACA still faces the threat of its demise in the Supreme Court due to the Health Care Repeal lawsuit brought by 18 Republican Attorneys General. 

POCIL stands today – 11 years into the law – committed to protect and build on the ACA to ensure that everyone in Illinois has access to equitable, affordable, comprehensive health care no matter their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, income or immigration status. As we continue to confront the impact of the pandemic and the stark inequities it has exposed in our health system, it is more important than ever that policymakers both in Illinois and Washington finish the job the ACA started.

Together, the new pandemic Special Enrollment Period (SEP) through May 15 and the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act offer a huge first step in providing a more affordable pathway to comprehensive coverage that was out of reach to many even before the pandemic. We encourage Illinois consumers who are not currently enrolled in health coverage, or have coverage but would like to choose a new plan, to review their options at HealthCare.Gov. Coverage is comprehensive, and might be more affordable than you think – an estimated 4 million Americans can sign up for a plan with a $0 monthly premium!  

What better way to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the ACA than to get everyone covered? If you need help, free and experienced enrollment assistance is available in your language here.  
 
To find out more and join in on the conversation, join the #TodaysVoicesTues ACA 11th Anniversary Twitter Chat at 2 pm CT on March 23rd! Use the hashtags #ProtectILCare #ACA11