Munoz: Medicaid expansion signed into law

CHICAGO – Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) co-sponsored legislation that has been signed into law by the governor that will expand the number of people covered under Medicaid.  The new law, part of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, will ensure that thousands of people in Illinois will now have access to quality health care.

“This will ensure that people who earn $15,860 as individuals and couples who earn a combined $21,408 will be able to access health care at an affordable rate,” Munoz said. “This will allow people to receive preventive care, not just emergency care when they become sick.”  
 
Senate Bill 26 will make Medicaid coverage available to adults with annual income below 138 percent of the federal poverty line. Illinois is expected to enroll 342,000 people by 2017. Currently, Medicaid is only available to children, their parents or guardians, adults with disabilities or seniors. Enrollment for the newly eligible population will begin Oct. 1 with coverage starting on Jan. 1.

For more information about Illinois' implementation of the ACA, go to HealthCareReform.illinois.gov.