Photo: Steve Rhodes
An impending public health crisis looms over the nation as the Trump Administration launches attacks on healthcare access from all sides through proposed changes to the “Public Charge” rule and enormous cuts in funding for ACA navigator programs to a mere 10% of previous funding levels, preventing the execution of comprehensive outreach and education initiatives for the most at-need members of our community.
With the period for ACA enrollment and public comments on “Public Charge” both closing during the second week of December, it is essential that community members and legislators highlight the necessity of fighting the proposed “Public Charge” rule changes and educating the general public on ACA eligibility and requirements.
The proposed federal change to the “Public Charge” rule announced this past September would effectively force eligible low-income immigrants to choose between their health and immigration status.
Additionally, with no outreach funded for the current Open Enrollment period for ACA, people are not learning that they are eligible for plans under ACA or that they need to apply now.
Consequently, enrollment numbers in the first week of the Open Enrollment period of the ACA have significantly declined as compared to last year. With Illinois being one of only 14 states where the rate of uninsured rose in 2017, these changes ensure that this rate will continue to rise in the coming year. Tens of thousands of Illinoisans are in danger of losing their healthcare, to the detriment of all residents in our state.
Alivio Medical Center and the Healthy Illinois Campaign successfully worked to win a $2.5 million state budget allocation in order to train healthcare navigators to conduct outreach for ACA enrollment and train immigrants about their rights under “Public Charge.”
However, five months later, the $2.5 million has yet to be released by the Secretary of State, and they are now talking about drawing the process out to the spring. The longer it takes to release the funds, the more it delays the ability to effectively educate and continue to enroll Illinoisans in basic healthcare options. This press conference is a call to action on the urgency to educate our community on ACA eligibility and fight against the proposed “Public Charge” rule changes before the comment period closes.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 20th, 2018—2:00 PM
WHERE: Thompson Center, Blue Room
100 West Randolph Street, 15th Floor