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Protect Our Care Illinois 2021 End of Session Recap

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. 

The 102nd Illinois General Assembly wrapped up just a few short days ago, and, thanks in no small part to the tireless efforts of champions in the House and Senate, as well as advocates throughout the state, Illinois is continuing to lead the nation in health care expansions for immigrants. Read more about all of our successes and continued efforts below.

Access to Health Care:

Expanding coverage to immigrant seniors: Thanks to the hard work of so many (including Herculean efforts by Graciela Guzman, Campaign Director at Healthy Illinois), the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) budget includes language that would offer coverage to adults 55+ regardless of documentation status. This language is on its way to Gov. Pritzker’s desk!

Streamline and refine the Medicaid enrollment process: We did not have specific legislation tied to this, but will be working on this throughout the summer and year. Please attend upcoming Access to Health Care subcommittee meetings for more information.

Health Care Affordability:

Out-of-pocket drug costs: Thanks to the efforts of many, legislation that would enable patients to choose a health plan with affordable, predictable out-of-pocket costs for their prescription drugs is on its way to Gov. Pritzker’s desk!

Rate Review: Despite the efforts of so many advocates, our rate review bill did not move this year. However, the fight isn’t over! We are planning a summer informational campaign, so be sure to attend upcoming Health Care Affordability subcommittee meeting for more information.

Racial Equity & Health Justice:

SOGI data collection: Thanks to the efforts of many hardworking advocates (including some monumental efforts from Tim Jackson, Director of Government Relations at AIDS Foundation Chicago), a bill that would require ten state agencies to consistently collect demographic data based on age, sex, preferred language, disability status, sexual orientation, and gender identity (SOGI) is on Gov. Pritzker’s desk!

Health care feasibility study: Due to the timing of the report’s release, we were unable to run any legislation related to this. However, we will be discussing next steps (including informational campaigns) in the coming weeks in the Racial Equity & Health Justice subcommittee, the Communications subcommittee, and through special ad-hoc meetings.

COVID-19 vaccine distribution: We did not have any legislation directly tied to this topic. However, we have discussed distribution efforts with relevant legislators and administrators, as well as signed onto multiple letters that made their way to decision makers’ desks. We will continue to keep an eye on this issue.

If you would like to stay updated on the continued work of POCIL, please sign up to receive our monthly newsletter here! For more information on attending relevant subcommittee meetings, please email info@ProtectOurCareIL.org!