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Read MoreAttorneys enforce Medicaid class action
Attorneys from Legal Council for Health Justice, the Shriver Center, and Sidley Austin LLP filed in court today on behalf of thousands of low-income people to enforce federal law and the State of Illinois’ agreement to process Medicaid applications in a timely fashion. The attorneys charge that the State is violating both federal law and an Illinois court order by significantly delaying Medicaid applications and denying residents access to health coverage. “The State of Illinois is clearly in violation of federal law and thousands of Illinoisans are suffering gravely because of it,” said Carrie Chapman, director of advocacy at Legal Council for Health Justice, one of the organizations that helped file the motion. “DHS must provide our clients with access to the care they need and are legally entitled to—we simply can’t wait any longer.” Illinois moved to a new computer system for eligibility resulting in delays in processing tens of thousands of Medicaid applications. This is a public health crisis. While Medicaid applications pend, people cannot get medically-necessary care. Newborn babies are not added to Medicaid and wait months for immunizations and well-baby visits to make sure that they are developing properly. Seniors and others with chronic conditions forgo regular medical care and medications. The State’s delays also take a serious toll on hospitals and health systems, as obstructing care to the medically-underserved fuels rising healthcare costs. Read the entire motion here and press release here. Press coverage includes: Associated Press, Groups say tell court Illinois too slow processing Medicaid WGN TV, Lawsuit filed in Medicaid applications processing delay Illinois Health News, Motion filed over Medicaid...
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Read More4th Annual May Ball was a Derby Day Success!
Thanks to all those who supported the 4th Annual May Ball on May 5 at the stunning home of Dr. Nabeela Rasheed and Fawzia Mirza. Over 175 attendees packed the house on the most beautiful evening of the year to date, donning derby attire (read: big, bold hats) with lots of festive spring color! We even had a surprise visit from a horse and some jockeys! Clear your calendar for Saturday, May 4, 2019 for the 5th Annual May Ball! “More now then ever we need an organization like this… With this current [presidential] administration we’ve seen attacks on access to healthcare, attacks on trans rights, attacks on women’s rights and attacks on immigration. With more people involved. it’s more essential. […] If we don’t take care of our community, no one will take care of it for us.” – Fawzia Mirza Thanks to Mystic Images Photography for photographing the event. For more photos, visit our Facebook page and coverage by Windy City...
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Read MoreWe Will Fight
Dear friend, Our supporters make all the difference in the lives of the Council’s clients. We value our clients, and we value you. This letter is more than an appeal, it’s a call to action! For all our progress over the years—and there is no way to sugar coat this—we are suddenly entering into a dark, uncertain time that will have a negative impact on our clients, as well as millions of Illinoisans. So right now I’m asking for your support—donate, volunteer, speak up—in order to protect the most vulnerable among us. Your support allows the Council to help those who are often least able to help themselves. Because of you, a record number of individuals this past year received free, expert legal help from the Council. Our work has led to major successes, including significantly expanding access to life-saving healthcare and guaranteeing legal protections from discrimination. But we know that the next president and many in Congress wish to repeal the Affordable Care Act, slash funding for social services for the poor, and chip away at civil rights for scores of Americans. These cuts will have devastating consequences for the Legal Council’s clients, so will you stand with us as we fight on behalf of those in need? With the looming cuts and challenges, our services will be in demand more than ever before. To help us continue making a difference in the lives of those who are least able to help themselves, please make a year-end gift of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more. Some additional highlights that are possible because of your support: Our HIV program staff successfully negotiated with the Illinois Department of Public Health to prevent the termination of life-saving insurance premium assistance to HIV-positive individuals. We greatly expanded services to people at risk for HIV seeking access to PrEP, a medication regimen that is highly effective in reducing infection rates. Nationally, 70% of disability benefit claims are denied, while our homeless program has a 90% client success rate. I am so grateful for your support. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to help the nearly 2,000 clients whom the Council will assist this year. No matter what, the Council will continue to stand firm, fight, and never give up. Thank you in advance for your gift. Onward and upward, Tom Yates, Executive Director P.S. If you prefer, call 312-427-8990 to make your gift. Please also volunteer and speak up against bigotry and...
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Senate committee passes proposal limiting short-term policies - Health News Illinois
healthnewsillinois.com
A Senate Committee signed off this week on legislation limiting short-term health insurance policies in Illinois.I Want To
