Collins Named Chair of Health Care Availability and Accessibility Committee, Commits to Expanding Medical Access to All Illinoisans

CHICAGO – State Rep. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago, will prioritize equitable and affordable medical care as the next chair of the House Health Care Availability and Accessibility Committee.

“People rationing diabetes and heart medications, people living with debilitating pain; countless Illinoisans are risking their wellbeing and suffering through preventable problems because they can’t afford the necessary medical treatment,” Collins said. “The Health Care Availability and Accessibility Committee was designed to combat these problems, and that’s the direction I’ll take as chair.”

Collins was appointed chair of the committee by Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch. Health Care Availability and Accessibility will focus on removing unfair barriers to vital medical care that have hurt underserved Illinois communities.

“We have tolerated a myriad of obstacles to health care access for too long,” Collins said. “Underserved communities don’t have adequate hospital access; low-income Illinoisans can’t afford doctor visits and vital prescriptions; these are the results of an unfair medical system. While I lead this committee, cracking down on barriers to good health care will be our focus.”