Illinois Governor for Universal Health Plans
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has a plan for everyone in his state to have affordable health insurance in three years, by 2010.
According to The Southern Illinoisan, Governor Blagojevich's plan includes the following major points:
Blagojevich's plan would cost more than $2 billion a year to run when fully implemented. There are 1.4 million people in Illinois without health insurance so clearly something needs to be done.
Opposition to the plan is expected, especially from businesses that will be required to cover a lot of the costs. And since Illinois has a climbing deficit, people may not be ready for a new program, or might want the money to go towards education.
From Illinois to California, it seems like every state is working towards helping the uninsured find affordable health insurance.
According to The Southern Illinoisan, Governor Blagojevich's plan includes the following major points:
- New free program called "Illinois Covered - Assist" for people living below poverty who don't have children and aren't eligible for Medicaid and FamilyCare.
- "Illinois Covered - Choice" would be a low-cost plan that regular insurance companies would be required to provide for people who can't get health coverage through their jobs. The state would help pay premiums depending upon income levels. People who make more than 4 times the poverty level would be eligible for the program, but wouldn't receive state aid.
- Business that can't afford health insurance for employees could use the Illinois Covered-Choice plan (described above).
- "Illinois Covered - Rebate" would help people who can't afford the premiums for medical coverage offered at work. This part of the plan would help workers pay for plans currently offered by employers.
- Expand eligibility for existing family insurance and disability plans.
Blagojevich's plan would cost more than $2 billion a year to run when fully implemented. There are 1.4 million people in Illinois without health insurance so clearly something needs to be done.
Opposition to the plan is expected, especially from businesses that will be required to cover a lot of the costs. And since Illinois has a climbing deficit, people may not be ready for a new program, or might want the money to go towards education.
From Illinois to California, it seems like every state is working towards helping the uninsured find affordable health insurance.
