Kifowit-Sponsored Measure Protecting Health Care Access for Illinoisans Passes General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As Washington politicians push for reckless changes to federal law that would deny care to millions of Illinois residents, strip insurance from people with pre-existing conditions and increase premiums, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is fighting to ensure no one can be denied care because of their medical history.

“No one should lose access to health care, because they have a pre-existing condition,” Kifowit said. “The well-being of our families must always be put above boosting the profits of health insurance companies.”

Kifowit sponsored House Bill 2959 to prevent insurance companies from selling policies in Illinois from discriminating against the sickest, oldest and most in need of care, regardless of what politicians in Washington decide. Kifowit’s state-level protections would help people with pre-existing conditions like cancer, diabetes or heart disease continue to have access to affordable health insurance. The legislation passed the General Assembly with bipartisan support and now goes to the governor for his signature.

Kifowit is also urging President Donald Trump and Congress to halt efforts to pass the American Health Care Act, also known as Trumpcare. The passage of Trumpcare would result in 24 million individuals across the United States losing access to health insurance, as well as make it more difficult for individuals with preexisting conditions to receive care. Kifowit is sponsoring a resolution stating the General Assembly’s opposition to Trumpcare.

“President Donald Trump’s proposal to slash protections for millions of Americans would drive up costs and jeopardize the lives of many in our community,” Kifowit said. “I am urging Congress to resist this extreme proposal from the president and instead focus on ways we can create jobs and grow our economy.”