Pritzker Signs Bill To Expand Medicaid Coverage

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill Tuesday to expand services covered by Medicaid in Illinois. The governor signed Senate Bill 2294 at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, where he toured a blood drive, emphasized the ongoing need for blood donations and championed health care as a "human right."

"Health care is a human right. Here in Illinois, we won't stop until everyone can access all aspects of it. In recognition of the pandemic that we continue to live in, this legislation expands emergency Medicaid coverage for many months to come. That means Illinoisans who suddenly found themselves in need of Medicaid coverage in the face of COVID-19 won't find the rug pulled out from under them just because our lives are starting to feel a bit more ‘normal,'" Pritzker said.

In addition to continuing Medicaid coverage "through the COVID-19 public health emergency and up to 12 months after it expires regardless of whether federally required or funded," the new law will allow Medicaid coverage for whole-health programs and veteran support specialists.

The law also adds Medicaid coverage for clinical professional counselors, along with treatment programs for tobacco addiction.

To help ensure health services to "lower-income residents," the legislation requires opioid overdose patients to be granted inpatient status. The legislation also aims to expand access to kidney transplant medicine for patients who are not documented residents of the United States.

Related: The Search For IL Gov. Pritzker In Florida's Equestrian Capital

The new law also expands the state's Medicaid enrollment assistance program via outreach grants, technical assistance and application agents.

Pritzker's appearance at Advocate Good Samaritan's blood drive highlighted the urgent need for blood donations throughout Illinois.

According to information from Joy Squier, Chief Communications Officer for the Illinois Region of the American Red Cross, blood donations often decrease during the summer months. Nonetheless, hospitals are continuing to see an increased demand for all blood types, especially Type O.

Those interested in making a blood donation can call 1-800-733-2767 or click the link to schedule an appointment to donate blood.