Representative Willis Urges Congress to Stop Healthcare Repeal and Expand Medicare for Illinois Residents

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, is backing a resolution in Springfield to urge the United States Congress to stop efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and to instead expand Medicare coverage to residents in Illinois.

“We have seen the facts how many people will lose coverage under the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and how devastating it will be to people with pre-existing conditions,” said Willis.  “We need to let our representatives in Congress know that people’s lives are at risk and we cannot play politics when the stakes are this high.”

House Resolution 445 urges the federal government and President Trump to oppose the American Health Care Act, the replacement plan put forth by Republicans as an alternative to the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare.”  The Republican replacement plan would allow states to waive coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.  It is estimated that millions of Illinois residents could lose healthcare coverage with the passage of the American Healthcare Act.

“Illinois has a lot on the line in the healthcare debate,” said Willis.  “We need to send a strong message that stripping the healthcare from millions of people is reckless and we will not stand for it.”

Willis is serving her third term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 77th District, which includes O’Hare Airport and portions of Addison, Bellwood, Bensenville, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Wood Dale.