Do No Harm to Illinois Health

Back in March, our very own Director of Policy Advocacy and Strategic Innovation, Carrie Chapman, testified in front of an IL House committee for the Do No Harm Healthcare Act (HB4165 HA1), which would ensure the General Assembly has input in a public process should any Illinois Governor use a federal invitation to reduce healthcare access and treatment. Carrie’s advocacy helped to push the bill through the committee, but it could still face opposition.

Carrie Chapman (Legal Council), Stephanie Altman (Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law), Rep. Greg Harris (HB4165 HA1 sponsor), and Will Wilson (consumer) testify in front of the Illinois House Human Services Appropriations Committee on March 8, 2018. Photo by EverThrive IL.

As both Congress and the President continue to threaten the well-being of Illinoisans through cutting benefits, rolling back consumer protections, and restricting access to coverage, we must ensure protections at the state level to guarantee any attempt to restrict access to healthcare is open to public debate, oversight, and scrutiny.

The Do No Harm Healthcare Act would:

• Prohibit state officials from applying for any federal waiver without legislative approval that would reduce or eliminate any protection or coverage required under the ACA.
• Prohibit the State from applying for any federal waiver without legislative approval that would permit an individual or group health insurance plan to reduce or eliminate any protection or coverage required under the ACA including, but not limited to, any protection for persons with pre-existing conditions.
• Prohibit the State from applying for any waiver of federal Medicaid requirements without legislative approval that would reduce or eliminate any protection or coverage required under the ACA or Medicaid.
• Provide that the State may apply for such a waiver(s) only if granted authorization by the General Assembly through a joint resolution.

100 Illinois organizations, including Legal Council, have called for support for the Do No Harm Healthcare Act. Alongside our partners across the state, we will defend access to quality and affordable healthcare coverage for all Illinoisans. But we can’t do this work without your help! Urge your state representatives to vote YES on HB 4165, and stand with us as we fight for health justice.