Healthcare is a human right. The high cost of care means millions of families have no access to the critical care all human beings deserve.
We work to ensure that everyone, no matter their income, race, or where they come from, can access quality healthcare for themselves and their families. Our advocacy for affordable health coverage includes litigation to defend those who are unjustly denied it.
We work with enrollment assisters who are embedded in communities throughout Illinois. We share information on Illinois’s complex and frequently changing health and public benefits systems and help navigators address clients’ barriers to accessing health care, which are often systemic.
We continue to advocate for Medicaid expansion for those who need it the most, defend against rollbacks to the Affordable Care Act, limit attempts to replace quality healthcare coverage with short-term health plans, and work with policy makers, health care practitioners, and partner organizations in Illinois and across the country to make it easier for people to get and keep the health coverage they need it.
Stephani Becker, the assistant director of health justice for the Shriver Center, recently spoke about the significance of the exchange and our continued efforts to expand health care to everyone in Illinois.
Medicaid played an important role as an essential source of health insurance for millions during the COVID pandemic.
Direct investments in health coverage, tax credits, and other benefits for people with low income will serve families hardest hit by the pandemic.
The stimulus bill is taking its place in history as one of the largest anti-poverty measures in a generation.
According to the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau, $88 billion in unpaid medical bills are in the hands of debt collectors. That’s more than any other type of personal debt. One unexpected procedure or sudden loss of employment can have devastating financial consequences for families and individuals in need of health care.
Illinois became the first state in the nation to provide Medicaid-like coverage to low-income seniors over the age of 65. Today Illinois builds upon this legacy by expanding coverage to low-income adults ages 55 through 64.
Long-term care is a vital service that should be available to all Illinoisans.
These findings will help drive the Shriver Center’s healthcare advocacy during the 2022 Illinois legislative session.
Jan 2023
Supreme Court shuts down attempt to revive cruel public charge rule but the legal fight continues.
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Racism is a public health emergency.
Jul 2020
A collection of readings, research, and tools to help guide an understanding of structural racism.
Mar 2020
Links to information and useful resources to aid communities seeking support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
stephaniealtman@povertylaw.org
312.789.4105
67 East Madison Street, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60603
phone: 312.263.3830
