For Marilyn Webster of Jacksonville, Medicaid means being able to work, as opposed to probably having to quit her job to look after her 20-year-old daughter, Rebekah, who has autism with high support needs. Camilla Nicoletta, 23, of Springfield, who has Down’s syndrome, is trying to enter a day program that offers routine, independence, and community. Louis Pisani, 27, who has autism, has found a job that he has held for five years with the help of job coaching and transition programs.

Here’s what potential cuts to Medicaid could mean for them and for others in Illinois: https://www.mcdonoughvoice.com/story/news/state/2025/04/23/illinois-families-brace-for-possible-medicaid-cuts/82673254007/

Residents concerned about potential cuts to federal Medicaid funding staged a protest Monday outside the Normal office of Central Illinois Rep. Darin LaHood.

Ryan Osborn of Bloomington said he needs Medicaid to survive because he could not otherwise afford medications for epilepsy and bipolar disorder.

“Without Medicaid, I would not be able to function. I would not be able to stay at my current job, due to overwhelming health issues and an increase of seizures, I would be forced to live on Social Security disability, and I would not be able to live a fully independent live,” Osborn told the crowd.

Read the full article here: https://www.nprillinois.org/illinois/2025-04-21/protesters-in-normal-urge-congressman-darin-lahood-to-protect-medicaid-funding

Local advocates and community members gathered at Jacksonville Town Square on Tuesday to urge Congresswoman Mary Miller to commit to protecting essential services for Illinois families.

The rally, organized by groups including Indivisible Jacksonville, Citizen Action/Illinois, and the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, called on Rep. Miller to oppose proposed cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other vital programs.

Read the full article here: https://khqa.com/news/local/rally-urges-rep-mary-miller-to-protect-health-and-food-assistance-programs

Southern Illinois residents gathered Tuesday to send a Tax Day message to Congress to stop the proposed federal budget cuts that threaten essential community services. The day began with a roundtable in Marion and continued with a rally outside Carbondale City Hall. Organized by Citizen Action/Illinois, the events featured postal workers, healthcare professionals, educators and advocates who urged lawmakers to put communities over corporations.

Read the full article here: https://thesouthern.com/news/residents-protest-cuts-to-at-rally-in-carbondale/article_df237b28-28fe-5297-8d3c-911c33e05426.html

Illinois Republicans are facing mounting pressure to break from President Donald Trump and oppose proposed Medicaid cuts that could impact hundreds of thousands of residents.

A coalition of healthcare providers and patients is rallying against the budget plan, arguing it would strip vital coverage from vulnerable populations.

Read the full article: https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-doctors-patients-rally-against-trump-backed-medicaid-cuts-im-furious.amp 

“SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Health care advocates, hospital officials and people who rely on Medicaid for their medical coverage warned state lawmakers Wednesday of consequences that could result from proposed cuts in federal Medicaid funding.”

Read the full article: https://www.wqad.com/article/news/politics/illinois-politics/state-lawmakers-brace-possible-federal-cuts-medicaid/526-fd955fc0-b735-4be5-8e90-975b4c2883a7

View the recording from Forbes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwT_PXyzoNY

“For Illinois families of all backgrounds and across the state, health care isn’t an afterthought — it’s a lifeline. Since becoming governor, I have made it a top priority — eliminating the Medicaid backlog, passing the Healthcare Protection Act, expanding Medicaid access and coverage, erasing hundreds of millions of dollars in medical debt, and investing in safety net and rural health systems.

Unfortunately, congressional Republicans passed a budget that will mean stripping away health care from working families to finance tax cuts for a privileged few, taking from low- and middle-income families to benefit the rich.”

Read the full article: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/03/03/opinion-millions-lose-medicaid-funding-illinois-donald-trump/

The 21st Show on Illinois Public Media hosts a panel discussion of Medicaid cuts and potential impacts on Illinoisians.

Listen to the recording: https://will.illinois.edu/player/audio/21stshow/can-medicaid-escape-republican-congressional-cuts