Illinois Proposal Would Require Health Care Coverage
An Illinois state task force on Thursday approved a plan to require health care coverage for all residents, including about 1.5 million uninsured, the Chicago Tribune reports. The program will cost government and employers more than $5 billion annually.
The plan would:
- Require all state residents -- including undocumented immigrants and college students -- to obtain health insurance or face penalties;
- Mandate that all insurers offer a comprehensive plan to individuals and small groups, regardless of medical conditions;
- Require all employers to provide insurance to employees or face penalties;
- Expand Medicaid coverage to adults without children with annual incomes that do not exceed 100% of the federal poverty level;
- Expand a state subsidies program to parents with annual incomes that do not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level; and
- Provide subsidies to purchase coverage or pay premiums for employer-based insurance for families with annual incomes that do not exceed 400% of the federal poverty level.
A state agency would be established to manage the program. State legislators will meet next year to discuss the proposed legislation (Graham, Chicago Tribune, 12/8). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.