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Issue Task Forces
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Organizer Linda J. Slavik Office Wish List Hit Counter started 7/1/01
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Health Care Task ForceLocal Level Lakeview Action Coalition is currently working to improve access to local primary care clinics. We are working with St. Joseph Hospital to make their Laboure Clinic more consumer friendly, particularly for people who are uninsured. Click here to download the findings of our 2010-2011 health needs assessment. State Level LAC woks to make charity care more accessible at local, private hospitals. In Spring 2012, LAC and our allies in the Fair Care Coalition passed statewide legislation (Public Act 97-690) that says anyone below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) in urban areas (or below 125% of the FPL in rural areas) is entitled to a 100% discount on their hospital bill as long as they apply for financial assistance! Now we are working with Attorney General Lisa Madigan around the implementation of this law. We want a universal financial aid application at all Illinois hospitals, an easy application process, clear and compassionate follow-up from hospitals, a reporting and accountability mechanism, and guaranteed inclusion of undocumented residents. Read the executive summary of the Fair Care Coalition's recommendations here. The Health Care Task Force is also working on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. LAC joined forces with United Power for Action and Justice to fight for a consumer-friendly health benefits exchange. Each state is mandated to establish a health benefits exchange through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It will be an organized marketplace where small business owners and individuals can compare and purchase health insurance plans. We are also working on passing a bill in the Illinois legislature that would expand Medicaid to citizens below 133% of the Federal Poverty Line. This could be the state's single-greatest anti-poverty policy in the last 50 years.
The Health Care Task Force meets on a monthly basis. If you are interested in getting involved, contact Hannah at (773) 549-1947 x104 or hgelder@lakeviewaction.org. (Last updated: 1/11/2013)
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