Posts by Legal Council
Guest Blog: Taking Pride in Who You Are
“I always knew I wanted to work in public interest law, but I came to Legal Council because I wanted a place where I could be myself. I wanted a place where I could interact with clients who were like me. Growing up in South Georgia, I didn’t always have that.” – Myron Grant, Legal Council Staff Attorney.
Read MoreACA Under Attack
Illinois’ Attorney General Lisa Madigan has join a coalition of 16 Attorneys General that are opposing a lawsuit filed by Texas and several other states.
Read MoreClient Story: the Rodriguez Family
Rose and Miguel Rodriguez were a couple struggling to make ends meet, like many hardworking families in Illinois. Though they were both undocumented, Miguel had a steady job and was trying hard to provide a stable home for his three children: Felix, age 9, Mary, age 4, and Julio, age 2. Recovering from a stroke and struggling with language and memory issues, Rose was unable to work. Each child had a medical disability, but Rose and Miguel were doing their best to get their children the care they needed.
Read MorePharmacies: An Endangered Species
A growing trend in the low income neighborhoods of Chicago is causing a great deal of concern for public health. Compared to white neighborhoods, black and Latino communities are being labeled as pharmacy deserts. “Pharmacy deserts” are neighborhoods that are suffering from various pharmacy closures. These vulnerable communities are usually less affluent and home to minorities and senior citizens. When pharmacies close, these residents are left behind without basic needs.
Read MoreAttorneys enforce Medicaid class action
Attorneys from Legal Council for Health Justice, the Shriver Center, and Sidley Austin LLP filed in court today on behalf of thousands of low-income people to enforce federal law and…
Read MoreThousands Illegally Denied Health Coverage in Illinois
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 16, 2018 Contacts: Michelle Nicolet (P) 312.368.2675 mnicolet@povertylaw.org Jill Wohl (P) 312-605-1980 jwohl@legalcouncil.org Thousands Illegally Denied Health Coverage in Illinois State of Illinois Sued for Massive…
Read MoreCTU, legal advocates, special ed parents will respond to ISBE decision Wednesday on outside monitor for CPS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE May 15, 2018 CTU, legal advocates, special ed parents will respond to ISBE decision Wednesday on outside monitor for CPS State board ruling could impose record oversight,…
Read MoreNew survey shows CPS special ed problems continue despite ISBE probe
FOR IMEDIATE RELEASE May 9, 2018 For more information, contact: Matt Cohen, 312-961-4179, mdcspedlaw@gmail.com; Amy Zimmerman, (312) 605-1963, AZimmerman@legalcouncil.org New survey shows CPS special ed problems continue despite ISBE probe…
Read MoreStop Junk Insurance in Illinois
Quality and affordable health insurance should be available to every Illinoisan and every American citizen, full stop. Unfortunately, this notion is being challenged by pending federal regulations that could result in a large expansion of the number of short term plans offered to hardworking Illinoisans. Short term plans differ from other health insurance plans; their long lists of what is not covered leaves many consumers with expensive medical bills. Plans sold in Illinois can exclude coverage for preexisting conditions, prescription drugs, hospital room and board on a weekend, and treatment for mental and health or substance abuse disorders.
Read MoreMedicaid Matters for Seniors and Older Adults
More than 6.9 million American seniors ages 65 and older have Medicaid coverage, and more than 8.5 million adults ages 50 to 64 are enrolled in Medicaid. Medicaid is a lifeline for seniors and older Americans.
About 1 in 3 seniors live below 200 percent of the federal poverty line while the cost of nursing home care for a typical year is around $82,000. Thanks to Medicaid, about 6 in 10 nursing home residents are covered, making nursing home care more accessible and affordable.
Read More