By: Ashmar Mandou
Health care advocates are urging Illinois legislators and Governor J.B. Pritzker to stand firm against potential cuts to healthcare services during a news conference Wednesday. “It’s critical that we come together now and reject this politics of division and fear,” said Enddy Almonord, director of the Healthy Illinois Campaign. “If we falter now in defense of health care for all Illinoisans, the next targets will be state-funded programs for maternal health, children’s health coverage, reproductive choice, HIV/AIDS prevention and more.”
The state should wait to see what cuts are in the final Reconciliation Act that Congress approves, then strategize to counter those cuts, coalition members said. The Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) provision of the Reconciliation Act would cut federal matching dollars to as many as 38 states that offer health coverage to lawfully present or undocumented immigrants. This condition would go into effect October 2027, giving the state time to thoughtfully respond and see how any lawsuits play out. States have the right to use their own taxpayer dollars to fund coverage for state residents. The Senate may alter the FMAP provision as it considers the Reconciliation Act.
“In a time of growing federal uncertainty and ongoing threats to Medicaid, we cannot afford to let the most vulnerable fall through the cracks,” said Aces Lira, senior manager of state policy and advocacy for AIDS Foundation Chicago. “People living with HIV, especially noncitizens who already face systemic barriers, rely on stable, accessible health care to survive and thrive.” As it stands now, an FMAP reduction would end health care coverage for about 500,000 Illinoisans, according to Congressional Budget Office projections. Coalition members urged legislators to stand strong and prioritize all Illinoisans.
“The path to victory and flourishing isn’t possible with cutting taxes for the rich and ending life-saving programs,” said Sam Perez, youth organizer at the HANA Center. “We need to fight for an equitable society where everyone pays their fair share and we support each other, especially those who experience relentless oppression.”
The state is a leader in providing health in providing health care for all. In 2021 it enacted the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program, or HBIS, that covers people age 65 and older. Under the shadow of the FMAP, Illinois is considering changes that would take effect June 30, 2025. “Immigrants work for decades, raise families, and pay taxes,” said Erendira Rendon, vice president of immigrant justice at The Resurrection Project. “We deserve access to the basic right of health care. This is the moment to stand strong and together in the face of federal attacks and defend all vulnerable communities.”
People in line for organ transplants face dire consequences if they lose their HBIS coverage, said Liliana Olayo, co-chair of the Stepping Out of Poverty campaign with Community Organizing and Family Issues & POWER-PAC IL. “All eyes are on Springfield,” added Almonord. “Now is the moment to stand together and show whose side we’re on.”
