Feigenholtz’s Historic Health Care Expansion Legislation Becomes Law

CHICAGO, IL – Some of the key benefits from President Obama’s Affordable Care Act will now be available to Illinoisans, as the State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz-sponsored measure to extend health care coverage to low-income adults was signed into law Monday. 

 Under the new law, 342,000 low income Illinoisans will become eligible for Medicaid coverage. The law will also create an estimated 20,000 healthcare related jobs in Illinois.

 “I’ve always believed that access to decent health care is a fundamental human right,” said Feigenholtz. “Today we extend that right to hundreds of thousands of uninsured low-income adults, who for the first time will be able to receive basic medical care.” 

 Prior to the passage of Senate Bill 26, low-income childless adults ages 18-64 were ineligible for Illinois Medicaid benefits. The federal government will provide a dollar-for-dollar funding match for state funds that go toward extending Medicaid benefits to childless adults with incomes below 133% of the poverty level.

 “Not only does this law expand access to affordable health care,” said Feigenholtz. “But federal funding from the Affordable Care Act will help alleviate budgetary pressures on county and state governments and create much needed economic activity.”

For more information, contact Feigenholtz’s constituent services office at (773) 296-4141 or sara@staterepsara.com.