A RESOLUTION BY THE CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL URGING THE ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO MAINTAIN FULL MEDICAID FUNDING April, 2015
WHEREAS, high quality, accessible healthcare is critical to the well-being of Chicago residents, the local and state economies and to a prosperous and vibrant future for the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, hospitals in the City of Chicago and hospitals throughout the state have been recognized for providing high quality, accessible health care to Tllinoisans; and
W'HEREAS, hospitals in the City of Chicago and hospitals throughout the state face significant budgetary and health care challenges that demand flexibility and innovative solutions; and
WHEREAS, the state administration in Springfield has proposed a 2016 budget that radically cuts state Medicaid funding to hospitals, including those in the City of Chicago, by nearly $800 million, which could result in the loss of more than 12,500 jobs and $1.7 billion in economic activity statewide; and
WHEREAS, Medicaid improves health and access to health services, lowers infant, child and adult mortality rates and increases the use of critical preventive services, such as prenatal care; and
WHEREAS, Medicaid coverage also virtually eliminates catastrophic out-of-pocket medical expenditures for beneficiaries, providing much-needed financial security and peace of mind; and
WHEREAS, over 3.1 million Illinois residents have Medicaid coverage in some form, with approximately one million of those being Chicago residents; and
WHEREAS, the administration's budget proposal would impose a devastating human cost on Illinois residents by compromising or eliminating access to care; and
WHEREAS, hospitals in the City of Chicago and hospitals throughout Illinois are the cornerstone of a strong and vibrant local and state health care delivery system; and
WHEREAS, hospitals, in good faith and partnership with the General Assembly, have engaged in many collaborations to help the state finance the Medicaid pro...
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