Illinois Medicaid bill removes health coverage eligibility for thousands of noncitizens

A Medicaid omnibus bill approved by Illinois lawmakers will remove eligibility for thousands of residents as the state adjusts to new federal requirements. Advocates warn the change could expand the uninsured population while lawmakers cite legal and budget constraints.

by Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – A bill that will soon head to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk will officially remove an estimated 10,000 people from the state’s Medicaid program, leaving them without any form of health coverage.

That group is made up mainly of people who are not U.S. citizens but who are in the country legally, according to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. That includes refugees and asylum-seekers, many of whom came to the United States with pre-existing health conditions.

“If they are enrolled, then they still have Medicaid up until Oct. 1,” Edith Avila Hesser, ICIRR’s health justice and policy director, said in an interview. “This adds to the number of uninsured populations that we have here in the state of Illinois, and so obviously we will be working to educate this community about the resources that are available to them through community clinics like FQHCs (Federally Qualified Health Centers) and free and charitable clinics available throughout the state.”

Medicaid is a public health coverage program that is jointly funded by the federal government and the states.

In 2025, Congress amended the federal eligibility rules for Medicaid with passage of H.R. 1, commonly known as President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” It removed eligibility for nearly all noncitizens except lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and migrants from certain Pacific island nations known as the Compact of Free Association.

Illinois’ Medicaid bill

In order to comply with that change in federal law, Illinois lawmakers included language in this year’s annual Medicaid omnibus bill, Senate Bill 3365, removing most groups of noncitizens from eligibility under state law.

They include, among others, immigrants who are honorably discharged U.S. veterans and their families, refugees and asylees, noncitizens identified as victims of trafficking, Amerasians from Vietnam, and American Indians born in Canada.

“We had to make that change to comply with H.R. 1 so that we didn't put our entire Medicaid program in jeopardy,” Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, who chairs the House working group that wrote the omnibus bill, said in an interview.

Although Illinois also provides health coverage outside the Medicaid system that is funded entirely with state dollars, the language in this year’s bill specifically states that it “shall not require any category of non-citizens or part thereof to be funded at state-only cost.”

For example, in 2020, Illinois launched a program to provide Medicaid-like coverage known as Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors for noncitizens age 65 and over, regardless of their immigration status. The following year, it expanded that program with Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults, which covered adults age 42 to 64, regardless of immigration status.

But the latter program was closed in 2025 amid budget and political pressure and enrollment in the seniors program has been limited while many of its enrollees have been shifted to other subsidized coverage programs.

Stalled programs

Illinois also participates in a limited program that provides health benefits to asylum applicants and victims of torture, trafficking and other serious crimes. And to minimize the impact of the upcoming change in eligibility rules, immigrant rights advocates introduced legislation this year to expand that program.

House Bill 4824, sponsored by Rep. Dagmara Avelar, D-Romeoville, and Senate Bill 3462, sponsored by Sen. Graciela Guzmán, D-Chicago, would have extended coverage under that program to several additional categories of noncitizens who are in the country for various humanitarian reasons. But neither of those bills was ever assigned to a substantive committee.

Moeller said budget pressures were the primary reason the bills were not considered this year, and she said that is not likely to change anytime soon. “We're looking at enormous budget pressures next year because of the cuts in H.R. 1 to the Medicaid program, which is going to affect our overall budget,” she said. “Hopefully, at some point we can get many of the provisions that were contained in H.R. 1 overturned federally.”

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

Illinois Medicaid eligibility changes 2026, Illinois immigrant health coverage legislation, Senate Bill 3365 Medicaid Illinois, federal Medicaid rule changes Illinois, Illinois health coverage for noncitizens

Viewpoint |
Republicans defend White House ballroom plan amid security claims

A proposed White House ballroom expansion is being defended by Republicans as a security measure, but critics argue the justification masks a costly luxury project. The debate has sparked broader questions about priorities, spending, and political messaging.

by Van Abbott
Guest Contributor

Republicans now expect Americans to believe the greatest threat to presidential security is insufficient ballroom space at the White House.

That claim insults common sense from the first syllable to the last.

President Trump spends enormous amounts of time at golf resorts, private clubs, fundraisers, and sprawling luxury properties where security teams must defend open terrain, moving crowds, tree lines, beaches, roads, kitchens, docks, guests, staff, and endless unpredictable variables. Yet Republicans now insist the republic itself hinges on constructing a taxpayer-funded ceremonial palace in Washington.

Apparently the assassins lurk near the appetizer table.

Senators Lindsey Graham, Katie Britt, and Eric Schmitt push the argument with almost comic determination. They insist a massive White House ballroom will reduce risk because presidents can host events on secure grounds instead of traveling elsewhere. Trump echoes the sales pitch, portraying the ballroom as a fortress disguised as a banquet hall.

The logic collapses instantly.

If the White House is safest, why does Trump constantly leave it? If security is paramount, why normalize exposure on golf courses while demanding public money for chandeliers and gala space? If this project is indispensable, why did previous presidents survive without a taxpayer-funded palace wing?

Because this is not about security.

It is about spectacle.

Republicans understand the power of the word “security.” The moment they invoke it, scrutiny softens, questions fade, wallets open. Security justifies everything. Security excuses everything. Security sanctifies everything.

That is the lie.

The proposal itself ballooned from a supposedly donor-funded improvement into a sprawling luxury complex whose total cost could approach a billion dollars once infrastructure, renovations, and security modifications are fully counted. The price grows, the promises shrink, the excuses multiply.

First came the ballroom. Then came the “enhancements.” Then came the “necessary security infrastructure.” Washington always speaks softly before it reaches for the taxpayer’s wallet.

And Republicans expect Americans to swallow all of it while lecturing working families about fiscal discipline.

They preach austerity to workers, restraint to retirees, sacrifice to families. Then they sprint toward taxpayer-funded opulence the instant Trump wants a grander stage.

The hypocrisy does not merely drip. It floods.

A party that once howled about deficits now treats public money like confetti at a coronation. Citizens are told the nation cannot afford expanded healthcare, affordable housing, modern infrastructure, stronger retirement protections, or struggling public schools. Scarcity always governs ordinary Americans. Abundance always appears for the powerful.

Not for schools.

Not for hospitals.

Not for citizens.

For a ballroom.

The symbolism could not be clearer if Republicans installed a gold throne beneath the chandelier.

They are not constructing a security project. They are constructing a monument. A monument to excess. A monument to ego. A monument to the transformation of conservatism from a philosophy of restraint into a personality cult draped in velvet and gold.

The ballroom Itself becomes an almost perfect metaphor for modern Republican politics. Ornate on the surface, hollow underneath. Loud, glittering, theatrical, expensive. A political Versailles where image matters more than principle and loyalty matters more than truth.

They wrap luxury in patriotism. They wrap vanity in fear. They wrap indulgence in the flag.

And still the contradictions pile higher than the marble columns they want taxpayers to finance.

Assassins do not hide in White House banquet halls waiting beside the shrimp cocktail. Threats emerge during travel, motorcades, public appearances, outdoor recreation, and unscripted movement through unsecured environments. Every security professional understands this. Republicans understand it too. That is precisely why the ballroom argument feels so cynical. They are not selling protection. They are selling prestige wrapped in patriotic packaging, a palace marketed as policy, excess repainted as emergency.

And that is what makes the ballroom lie so revealing. Republicans now demand that Americans confuse luxury with leadership, extravagance with patriotism, and a presidential palace with national security.

The ballroom Is not protection. It is propaganda wrapped in gold leaf.

About the author ~
Van Abbott is a long time resident of Alaska and California. He has held financial management positions in government and private organizations in California, Kansas, and Alaska. He is retired and writes Op-Eds as a hobby. He served in the Peace Corps in the late sixties. You can find more of his commentaries and comments on life in America on Substack.

TAGS: White House ballroom controversy, Republican security argument criticism, Trump White House spending debate, political symbolism luxury government spending, Capitol political opinion analysis

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Community donations fuel successful Hygiene Drive for local pantry

Community members across Champaign County donated nearly 1,000 hygiene products during a monthlong drive organized by the Illinois Extension office. The effort supported the CLU-W Hygiene Pantry and helped provide essential items for local families in need.

CHAMPAIGN - Community members across Champaign County helped nearly 1,000 hygiene products reach local families in need during a monthlong donation drive organized by the Illinois Extension office in Champaign.

The Champaign County Extension office hosted its first Hygiene Drive throughout April in support of the CLU-W Hygiene Pantry of Champaign County, collecting personal care and household essentials for individuals and families struggling with the rising cost of basic hygiene items.

By the time the drive wrapped up April 30, volunteers had gathered 139 full-size products and 850 travel-size items for a total of 989 donated goods.

“This is the first hygiene drive that has been led at the Champaign County Extension office, and it was a smashing success,” organizers said in a release announcing the results.

Donations arrived steadily throughout the month as residents stopped by the Extension office with bags of soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and other daily necessities. Organizers said some community members specifically shopped for the drive before dropping off supplies.

One donor contributed handmade organic soaps and lotions produced for a small business, while others expressed interest in continuing to support the hygiene pantry after the April campaign ended.

The donation box filled quickly enough that volunteers emptied it weekly before transporting items to the CLU-W Hygiene Pantry.

The pantry was established to address the growing financial burden many families face when purchasing basic hygiene products. The organization distributes free hygiene essentials to local residents who may not otherwise be able to afford them.

Illinois Extension officials said the goal of the drive was to help ensure community members have access to products that support health, dignity and well-being.

For more information about the Hygiene Drive, residents can contact Tracy Bowden at tbowden@illinois.edu or Vanessa Jones at vjjones@illinois.edu.

More information about the CLU-W Hygiene Pantry of Champaign County is available at www.cluwhygienepantry.org or by calling 217-249-8971.

TAGS: Champaign County hygiene drive donations, Illinois Extension community service project, CLU-W Hygiene Pantry support campaign, hygiene product donations for families, local nonprofit pantry Champaign County

Illinois women help drive landmark end-of-life reform

Advocates say Illinois women played a defining role in the state’s newly passed medical aid-in-dying law. Their stories and leadership helped shape the first legislation of its kind in the Midwest.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

CHICAGO - March is Women’s History Month and an organization advocating for end-of-life reform is highlighting the significant role of women from Illinois in driving the movement.

The state recently became the first in the Midwest to legalize medical aid in dying.

Callie Riley, regional advocacy director for Compassion & Choices, said Illinois residents Suzy Flack and Deborah Robertson were instrumental in getting the legislation passed. Riley noted the bill is nicknamed “Deb's Law” because of Robertson, who served as a leader despite living with a rare form of cancer.

"The work we do is really driven by the stories of people who are directly impacted by both good end-of-life care and end-of-life care that falls short," Riley explained. "In my experience, so many of our storytellers, our volunteers, our leaders, our advocates are women."

Riley pointed out Flack became an advocate after witnessing her son, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer, die peacefully and autonomously using medical aid in another state. Deb’s Law takes effect in Illinois in September.

Riley added the historical roots of the movement for better end-of-life-care dates back to the early HIV epidemic. Alternative care networks developed because people living with HIV and AIDS did not receive adequate care from the traditional medical system.

"It was predominantly women providing that care; queer women, straight women, people who knew and loved people who were living with HIV," Riley recounted. "To me, it's not surprising that has continued."

Riley stressed increased advocacy has created a dialogue about the importance of autonomy in end-of-life decisions, with supporters long pushing for medical aid in dying legislation in Illinois. It is currently legal in 12 other states.

TAGS: Illinois women advocates, Deb’s Law Illinois, medical aid in dying Midwest, Compassion & Choices Illinois, end-of-life reform movement

Ready to hit the links? Tips to avoid common golf injuries at the beginning of a season

As golf season begins, OSF HealthCare physical therapist Michael Hahndorf recommends beginning with home stretching routines and practice swings before visiting the driving range, starting with small buckets rather than large ones. Key elements of injury prevention include proper swing posture and daily stretching routines.

Golfer practices her swing on a practice tee

Photo: Kampus Productions/PEXELS

That first swing of golf season can come with risk if your body isn't ready. Tips for preventing injuries include stretching routines and practice swings maintaining proper posture throughout your swing.

by Paul Arco
OSF Healthcare

Every year, more than 500 million golf rounds are played on courses across the country. And while anxious golfers are racing to local courses for a quick round, that first swing of the season can come with a risk if your body isn’t ready.

“I think about the low back, especially the population that plays golf tends to be a little bit older sometimes,” says Michael Hahndorf, a physical therapist with OSF HealthCare. The lower back, the shoulders. You think about the arms and wrists are important, but you don't want to forget about your foundation as well – your legs, your ankles, your knees, your hips, all that is important too. It goes back to just stretching and being more prepared for what's coming when you do play.”

Hahndorf recommends starting a stretching routine. Before starting any round, give yourself at least 10-15 minutes to properly stretch your back, hamstrings, abdominals, arms and shoulders to stay flexible. And make sure to get plenty of practice swings in before you head over to the first tee. Start with the smaller irons and work your way up to the driver and not just on the first hole with the first swing.

Walking nine or 18 holes can be challenging, especially if you’ve been mostly sedentary for the past several months. Even carrying a golf bag can cause back and shoulder pain.

Start walking to warm up

“Start to walk nice and easy. Get your body used to kind of physical activity again, taking some swings at home without even going to the driving range,” Hahndorf says. “It could be something as simple as going to the driving range and hitting a small bucket versus large, and then kind of working your way into nine holes for a little bit, and then slowly transitioning to those 18 holes. Because it's going to be a big change of pace from nine to 18 over the course of time.”

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Walking after months of inactivity can be challenging. To get back into top form, start with stretching and work up gradually to prevent early-season golf injuries.

For the most part, golf is a relatively safe sport, but injuries can happen, especially because of not using proper form or technique. The keys of a good swing include good posture, a stable lower back, and a slow relaxed swing. An early-season injury, especially during cooler temperatures, can really set back a golfer for a few days to weeks.

“When it comes to a good golf swing, you think about having good posture and having a flat back,” Hahndorf says. “Have your hips tucked underneath you, have your knees bent a little and those arms straight down. Posture plays a role importantly there, because it's going to allow for that rotation.”

And remember to spend some time stretching again following when the round is over. “It's important to stretch before to warm up but also afterwards, so you can kind of get ahead of some of that soreness. Because it can be tough for the first couple rounds,” says Hahndorf. “Just maintain just a gentle stretching routine for five to 10 minutes a day to keep that low back, hip, shoulder mobility kind of where it was when you ended.”

A little soreness is expected early in the golf season. But any pain that lingers or gets worse might call for physical therapy. Touch base with your medical provider with any nagging concerns.

“Just take care of your body. If something hurts, pay attention,” Hahndorf says. “You know how things are supposed to feel. So, if it feels off make sure you're reaching out if you need to.”

TAGS: golf injury prevention tips stretching routine, lower back pain golf season prevention, OSF HealthCare physical therapy golf injuries, how to prepare body for golf season

He couldn't walk to Starbucks, now he's stronger than ever thanks to spine surgery

Tyler Stratman spent years in debilitating back pain, unable to walk a city block without stopping — until a minimally invasive spine procedure gave him his life back the same day he had surgery.

by Colleen Reynolds
OSF Healthcare

PEORIA - After years of chronic pain stripped away his active lifestyle, 36-year-old Tyler Stratman of Clinton, Illinois, says he has finally reclaimed his life thanks to a specialized spine procedure now available in Central Illinois.

Stratman, who once ran several miles a day while living in Chicago, says his life changed dramatically when persistent back pain began about two and a half years ago. What started as discomfort escalated into debilitating immobility. Active lifestyle disrupted by chronic back pain

I don’t think I slept for probably four to five days...

The pain prompted Stratman to completely stop his habit of running four to five miles a day.

“Even walking down the street to get Starbucks, my whole entire body would just kind of charley horse. I would have to stop in between blocks and kind of do hamstring stretches and things like that. And you know I was only 33 years old. And so, it was a huge, huge part of my life taken away.”

An MRI eventually revealed a severe herniated disc in his lower spine. At its peak, Stratman describes unbearable pain and sleepless nights.

“I don’t think I slept for probably four to five days,” Stratman explains. “I would have to go out in the middle of the night. We have a treadmill and I would have to go out at like three or four in the morning to walk just to relieve something – just so I wouldn’t feel pain.” Minimally invasive spine surgery offers new option in Central Illinois

Photo provided

Dr. Sohail Syed, MD

After exhausting non-surgical options including physical therapy, steroid injections and chiropractic care, Stratman was referred to neurosurgeon Sohail Syed, MD, who specializes in minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery.

Spine surgeons at OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute (OSF INI) Spine Institute perform approximately 1,000 spine surgeries each year, more than any other hospital system in the area and is the second largest program in Illinois. OSF HealthCare began using new minimally invasive spine surgery technology in June 2024, expanding treatment options for patients with certain spinal conditions. Since then, fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. Syed has performed 50 non-invasive spine surgeries using this advanced approach.

The endoscopic approach uses a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through a narrow pathway, avoiding the need for large incisions or significant tissue disruption.

Dr. Syed notes that in traditional spine surgery, surgeons often must remove bone and move a nerve aside to reach the problem area – steps the endoscopic technique can often minimize or avoid.

Endoscopic spine surgery reduces damage and recovery time

“Rather than going through all that, you can sneak underneath the nerve. And the endoscopic camera has an angle on it so it lets you look around the corner and work in the natural hole that exists in the spine without removing any bone or tissue and go right to the disc, remove the disc that’s pushing on the nerve or the bone spur and be in and out just using a one to two centimeter incision.”

Dr. Syed emphasizes that surgery is typically a last resort after conservative treatments fail but says Stratman was an ideal candidate due to both his condition and mindset.

“He was a great candidate for endoscopic spine surgery because of the type of disc herniation he had, the location, his age and his attitude,” Dr. Syed emphasizes, “He was really willing to do the work required after to get the best benefit from the surgery.”

Stratman ultimately chose the less invasive option that allowed surgeons to access his spine through a natural pathway while he remained partially awake. Though initially daunting, he says the decision became clear after years of suffering.

It offered him hope and following a two-and-a-half-hour procedure, the results were almost immediate. Finding immediate relief

Non-invasive spine surgery

“It was an instant relief. The kind of like nugget charley horse I just felt like I had in my back for those years – it was just gone. I didn’t feel it anymore,” he explains.

Stratman was also relieved he didn’t have to travel to St. Louis or Chicago for the innovative surgical approach. He was back home the same day – seven hours after his surgery.

Dr. Syed notes that while some people experience immediate improvement, recovery timelines can vary depending on the severity and duration of nerve compression.

Doctor showing how disc compression works

Surgery removes whatever’s causing an injury, but Dr. Syed reminds people the procedure doesn’t repair injury.

The body has to heal on its own, and that can take time. For some older patients, Dr. Syed cautions it could mean a few months before they feel significantly better.

“While the nerve is being hurt, so is the muscle, so is the skin and for all of that to recover, it can take time – especially for older patients. So, if you wake up feeling great, that’s awesome. But if you don’t, give it at least three months.”

Now several months post-surgery, Stratman says he feels stronger and more mobile than ever.

“I’m better than I’ve ever been. I feel stronger than I ever have. My mobility is better than it ever has been. I feel more flexible and [I’m] sleeping fantastic.”

Stratman is not ready to start running again. Instead, he has adapted his routine with other forms of exercise, such as strength training and fast walking. He remains focused on long-term health.

For others facing similar decisions, both Stratman and Dr. Syed stress the importance of persistence, trust and informed care.

And for Dr. Syed, the ultimate goal is simple: meaningful improvement in patients’ lives.

minimally invasive spine surgery Central Illinois | endoscopic spine surgery for herniated disc | OSF HealthCare spine surgery Bloomington | back pain treatment without major surgery Illinois

Guest Commentary |
A public health perspective on Iran: They are more like us than we think

A global health expert's research revealed unexpected similarities between Iran and the United States—comparable life expectancy, higher literacy rates, and superior childhood immunization coverage—before U.S. and Israeli strikes began destroying hospitals, killing 160 schoolgirls, and creating food shortages. The data suggests Iranians lived lives not so different from Americans just weeks ago.

by Mary Anne Mercer, MPH, DrPH

My work in global health always nudges me to learn about places and people I read about in the news. Right now: Iran, of course. Though I’ve never been there, I knew it was an incredibly old civilization, dating back several millennia with a vibrant culture and elegant, stunning architecture from the past. In recent decades it’s been led by a dictatorial, hard-line Muslim, the Supreme Leader.

I investigated a few facts about the country because understanding how the health of people in other settings compares with ours is often enlightening. Iran is poorer economically than the U.S., so the population probably would have lower living standards, life expectancy, and literacy rates than we do. I’ve worked in public health in a number of low-income countries, so I also expected that use of important services like immunizations for children and family planning for women would be limited.

A quick web search revealed that, indeed, our population is much wealthier than Iran’s. That country has a median income of $4300, compared to the U.S. with around $19,300.

But the other assumptions didn’t fit what I expected. A surprising 100% of the population has access to electricity. Much lower life expectancy? No, they are not dying at young ages: the average Iranian man in 2024 would live to be 76 years old, not far behind the American man at 77 years. I also didn’t expect that most of the main causes of death were the same as ours – heart disease, stroke, hypertension and injuries. Adult literacy, an important social determinant of health, was even more perplexing: only 11% of Iranians were nonliterate in 2023, compared to 21% of Americans around that time.

Maternal and child health practices are important monitors of a population’s well-being. So, another surprise: over 99% of Iranian children have the full set of immunizations by age five--while in the U.S. that rate is only 94% and said to be dropping. For women, childbearing patterns hint at their roles in family decision-making. How does that work in this solidly Muslim country? Another puzzler: at today’s birth rates, both Iranian and American women will have, on average, fewer than two children over their lifetimes.

Pondering these numbers, I couldn’t escape the feeling that Iranians were, put simply, very much like us. They have strong families, send their children off to school every day, have basic conveniences and an efficient public health system.

Or at least they did, until the current military onslaught by the U.S. and Israel began. Since then, the devastation of the country has been relentless: bombing of military targets with unknown numbers of civilian deaths— including the well-documented strike that killed some 160 schoolgirls. Over a dozen hospitals have been bombed, a pall of toxic “black rain” has fallen on Tehran as a result of the destruction of oil facilities, and food shortages in the cities are under way. It appears, however, that to date the death, destruction and massive displacement inflicted on their country has only strengthened the determination of the Iranian leadership, and also perhaps its people, to endure.

At some point this war will end. Until then the people of Iran, whose everyday lives had not been so very different from ours just a few weeks ago, will continue to go to bed every night wondering what hell the Americans and Israelis will inflict their country the next day.

About the author ~
Dr. Mary Anne Mercer is a University of Washington public health faculty member and author whose four-decade career has focused on maternal and child health in developing nations. Beginning with her transformative year providing immunizations in rural Nepal in 1978, she has developed health projects in 14 countries and authored books including Beyond the Next Village (2022) and Sickness and Wealth: The Corporate Assault on Global Health. Her recent work strengthening midwifery care through mobile technology in Timor-Leste has been adopted as a national program.

TAGS: Iran United States health comparison literacy immunization, Iran childhood vaccination rates 99 percent, U.S. Iran war civilian casualties hospitals bombed, global health perspective Middle East conflict

High premiums, low awareness: Navigating Illinois health insurance

More than 2 million adults in Illinois have a mental health condition. Most don't know what their healthcare plan covers.

Photo: Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

With health insurance costs reaching an all-time high, experts are urging Illinoisans to know and use all of the health benefits they pay for.

Research shows more than half of Americans do not know the full scope of what their health insurance offers.

Paula Campbell, associate vice president of health access and emergency preparedness for the Illinois Primary Healthcare Association, said with Illinoisans facing an average 28% spike to their premiums, it has never been more important for people to be proactive about using all of their benefits.

She noted in Illinois, certified navigators like herself can help.

"Wellness programs is a very common one that is added to plans where they might get a gym membership discount, fitness trackers, or rewards for completing certain health screenings," Campbell outlined.

The state’s parity laws ensure all health plans cover mental health services at the same rate as medical services. Campbell added navigators can help identify and connect consumers with appropriate mental health providers within their plan networks.

Experts said more than 2 million adults in Illinois have a mental health condition.

Amy Jordan, vice president of consumer experience for UnitedHealthcare, said unique challenges in the behavioral health space continue to create gaps in care.

"We're seeing mental health on the rise, and it's certainly become a challenge and it's continued to be a sustained challenge," Jordan emphasized. "A lot of employers are looking at the opportunities to put specific resources in place to help get over the barrier."

Jordan noted UnitedHealthcare is focused on improving access to behavioral health services through partnerships and offering additional resources and tools for easier out-of-network reimbursement.

Illinois to receive $193M annually for rural health care, but providers warn of Medicaid impact

Illinois will receive $193 million a year for the next five years to expand health care access in rural areas. The funding comes from a new federal program created to offset Medicaid cuts included in H.R. 1.

by Nikoel Hytrek
Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois will receive $193 million for each of the next five years to expand health care access for the approximately 1.9 million people in rural areas — or about $101 annually for every rural Illinoisan.

The money comes from the $50 billion federal Rural Healthcare Transformation Program fund, which Congress created to offset federal Medicaid spending cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or H.R. 1, that passed last summer.

But health care organizations said the money will not be enough to compensate for Medicaid cuts.

“These funds are good, and we're going to put them to good use, but it's not a solution,” said Jordan Powell, senior vice president of health policy and finance for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association. “It's not going to mitigate the impact of the significant Medicaid cuts that are coming our way.”

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services said between 190,000 to 360,000 Medicaid recipients are at risk of losing coverage in Illinois because of new work requirements.

H.R. 1 also imposes a tighter cap on how much money states can raise for their Medicaid programs through provider taxes. The new limits will be phased in, starting in fiscal year 2028, and could reduce total Medicaid funding in Illinois by $4.5 billion a year by fiscal year 2031.

“Long term, we know a number of HR 1 provisions will have a devastating impact on healthcare in our state and present significant challenges with respect to maintaining equitable access to high-quality healthcare coverage for all Illinois residents,” the department said in a statement.

Illinois has 85 small and rural hospitals that serve as hubs for access to care for people who can’t travel long distances. Nearly 30% operate at a deficit, though, and most of the patients they serve are on Medicare or Medicaid, according to the Health and Hospital Association.

Powell described the new federal money as a bandage, not a permanent solution for the cuts Illinois hospitals will face. As Medicaid reimbursement decreases, he said, hospitals could be forced to reduce services like obstetrics, cut staff, or close entirely.

Rural population is only a small part of grant consideration

The amount each state received ranged from $147 million for New Jersey to $281 million for Texas, and rural population appeared to be only a small factor in the equation.

That means states like Texas, with the largest rural population in the country, got far less per rural resident than states like Rhode Island, which has the smallest. Texas received $66 per rural resident and Rhode Island, with a total award of $156 million, received $6,305 per rural resident.

Half of the total $50 billion was awarded to states equally, but the other half was awarded based on specific factors such as a state’s current or planned policies for rural health care and proposed ideas that align with federal Make America Healthy Again priorities.

Among its neighbors, Illinois has the second-lowest award amount. Michigan, with its $173 million award, is the only state with less.

In the Midwest, Michigan’s rural population is slightly larger than Illinois’, but it received only $83 per person compared to Illinois’ $101. Iowa, with fewer rural residents than Illinois, got $139 per rural person.

Illinois’ Priorities

When filling out the application to the federal government, Illinois’ HFS consulted provider associations, rural hospitals, community health centers, community mental health centers, universities and community colleges, legislators and vendors.

According to the department, the state’s application focused on:

Increasing the number of health care workers in rural areas with education, scholarships, training and incentive programs.

Removing the barriers that rural residents face to getting health care by investing in mobile and telehealth services.

Changing the way rural health care systems run by creating regional partnerships.

The federal government indicated a preference for “transforming systems,” not just supporting ongoing operating expenses.

HFS said the hospital transformation grants will be a good tool for expanding its existing Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives to rural areas. The state launched the collaborative effort in 2021 to improve health care outcomes and reduce disparities across the state. It involves providers sharing resources to meet the health needs of multiple communities and expand access to services like preventative and specialty care.

“Team-based care, in partnership with hospitals and primary care practices, looks to improve access to care for rural residents by building out infrastructure and technology in order to increase access to specialty services, transform healthcare delivery, and overcome known geographic barriers for these communities,” the agency said in an emailed statement.

Powell said increasing the workforce and cybersecurity at hospitals are some of the top priorities. After that, he said, expanding rural broadband internet and upgrading electronic health records are important.

“Workforce and technology were two of the main things that we heard from our members,” he said. “I think the state wants to emphasize better partnerships and collaboration between providers.”

‘Not a long-term fix’

Despite allowing rural hospitals and health systems to make needed improvements, Powell said he still doesn’t think the money will be enough to make up for losing Medicaid payments.

“It’s kind of like supplemental funding that’s going to help them survive just a little bit longer,” he said. “I would actually say a significant portion of them are facing slim to negative margins, as is. And so this is funding that, again, will maintain some stability and viability for these organizations. But it's not a long-term fix.”

TAGS: Illinois rural health care funding, Medicaid cuts impact Illinois hospitals, rural hospitals Illinois federal grants, Illinois Medicaid work requirements health care, Rural Healthcare Transformation Program Illinois

You, too, can live to be over 100 years old

Having a sense of purpose can lead to increased energy, motivation, emotional stability and resilience on the road to a longer life.

Photo: Ghasoub Alaeddin from Pixabay

StatePoint Media - Living to 100 may sound extraordinary, but research suggests it’s more achievable—and enjoyable—than many people think. Studies show the majority of centenarians rate their health as good, and large numbers of people in this age group are mobile, active and optimistic.

According to the American Medical Association, adopting these seven habits can improve longevity and quality of life:

1. Eat healthy. Think of food as medicine. Choose nutritious, whole foods. Eat more fruits that are dark in color — blue, purple and red — to get the most nutrients, as well as fiber-rich vegetables, especially non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and leafy greens. Incorporate whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean meats and fish. Drink more water, or as an alternative, flavored or sparkling water with no added sugar.

Reduce your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and unhealthy ultra-processed foods, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Drinking sugary beverages, even 100% fruit juices, is associated with a higher mortality risk, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Eat fewer processed meats, which tend to be high in fat and heavy on added salt and preservatives. Limit your intake of refined grains, such as breads, crackers, baked goods and white rice. Drink less alcohol.

2. Exercise. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity weekly. A recent study published in JAMA found that putting down the television remote and walking can improve healthy aging — highlighting the importance of small everyday habits.

3. Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep improves memory, reduces stress, improves mood, and primes the body’s natural defenses against disease. But sleep quality decreases with age. Improve your sleep quality by setting a regular bedtime and wake-up time, insulating your bedroom against noise, avoiding exercise within an hour of bedtime, maintaining a cool and dark bedroom, and limiting fluids within two hours of bedtime. Also avoid alcohol before bedtime and make your bedroom a tech-free zone as screen-time can impact your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

4. Live with purpose. A sense of purpose can lead to increased energy, motivation, emotional stability and resilience. Take time for self-reflection and try meditation or yoga. Prioritize your values and beliefs and put them into action toward a goal that’s meaningful to you and benefits others.

5. Stay positive. To bust stress, take a break from decisions, connect with others, pet your dog or cat, write a to-do list (stick to three items), take time to recharge, laugh, sing, curb clutter, set boundaries, perform mindfulness exercises, practice gratitude, and seek help from a professional when stress becomes overwhelming.

6. Stay connected. Research shows that having social connections is a significant predictor of longevity and better physical, cognitive and mental health, while social isolation and loneliness are significant predictors of premature death and poor health. Unfortunately, there is a nationwide loneliness epidemic that medical experts consider a major public health concern. Combat loneliness with social clubs and community groups, or by taking up a hobby, learning something new or volunteering. If you’re struggling with loneliness, reach out to a professional, your doctor, family member or friend. You can also call the 988 crisis helpline for support

7. Get screened. Schedule preventive care, tests and health screenings to help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious. Your doctor can recommend needed tests based on your age, gender and health conditions — including colonoscopies, mammograms, gynecological and prostate exams, and vision screenings.

Today, there are many at-home screening options available. Some are more effective than others, and all work best – and minimize stress around results – when taken in consultation with a doctor.

For more resources on staying healthy, visit http://www.ama-assn.org.

“Everyone strives to live longer, but the goal should be to live as healthy as possible for as long as we live,” says AMA CEO John Whyte, MD, MPH. “Simple steps today – eating well, staying active, sleeping enough, and seeing your doctor – can add quality years, or even decades, to your life.”

Guest Commentary |
A new year is coming, savor the moment

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

Seems like yesterday that we were making New Year’s resolutions. Time flies by!

Glenn Mollette

Since time goes by so quickly the first resolution we all might consider making is to savor the moment. Every day is a gift and a celebration. Savor your work, family, friends, entertainment, hobbies, church, meals, nature and every aspect of life. Don’t rush 2026 because it will be over in the blink of your eye.

Plan your holidays in advance for 2026. Let’s make the holidays count. Consider celebrating the holidays in 2026 on days other than the actual holiday dates. Families can only be one place at a time. Why not have your get togethers a week or even two before? Celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas at different times so you can include more people and different places. Give it a thought for each holiday and I believe you will have more unrushed friend and family gatherings.

Schedule your doctor’s appointments and have your blood work done. None of us are excited about doctor’s appointments but blood work and checkups provide information we need to take care of these bodies.

Exercise this year. Exercise is moving your body. You can do this anywhere. Turn on your radio and dance in your house. Dance in your kitchen or garage. You don’t have to spend most of your day traveling to a gym and back. Turn on some music and in 20 to 30 minutes you can break into a sweat. Forty minutes is best but 20 to 30 minutes every day will rid your body of some sugar and toxins your liver and kidneys don’t need. Exercise is moving. Keep moving in 2026.

Cut back on red meat, fried foods and sugary desserts. Eating these items often will impact you negatively. Once or twice a month is far different than every day or two or three times a week.

Focus on teamwork in 2026. You can’t do everything. You can’t do everything for your children. You are only one person. You can be more successful with help. Good help is hard to find but families must work together. You can’t carry the financial burden for everyone else. Several people working together can accomplish most anything but if it all falls on one person then success will be more difficult if not impossible.

Plan to create good memories in 2026. Too often we spend our time reflecting on mistakes, sickness, death and unfortunate things that happened in the past. Determine to do something as often as you can that will create a good memory for you and others who might be impacted.

Think about what you want to accomplish in 2026 and try. What do you have to lose? If you don’t aim for a target then you hit nothing. Hitting something will be better than nothing. Think about it, even make a list.

Keep the fire burning. Don’t quit stirring the flame. Keep piling the wood on. Keep the fire hot. Too often we let the fire die. We get cold and feel empty. Don’t let your fire die. The fire keeps us warm. Warmth is energy and strength. It provides light.

Keep your faith strong. You can do a lot more with God than without Him. Let’s go 2026!

About the author ~

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.

The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.