SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement clarifying that President Trump’s chaotic and confusing executive order restricting access to lawful health care for transgender youth and young adults has no impact on access in Illinois and reinforcing his and thirteen other Attorneys Generals’ commitment to fight efforts to interfere with access to life saving health care in our state. The House Dobbs Working Group is grateful to AG Raoul and his partners in 13 states for recognizing the importance of reinforcing our commitment to protecting the LGBTQ+ community from the hateful attacks coming from the administration.

“AG Raoul has been a steadfast partner in our working group’s efforts to establish meaningful protections for reproductive and gender affirming care since day one. His statement today provides critical reassurance to patients, families, and providers who are understandably frightened and confused as we’ve seen facilities around the country comply in advance with these outrageous orders without a fight,” said Working Group Chair Kelly Cassidy. “Taken alongside yesterday’s reassurance from Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, it’s a clear message that at this point the words in the EO are simply that.”

Families and providers are encouraged to follow reliable resources, such as Advocates for Trans Equality, for updates as the situation evolves and the administration takes steps to implement it. House Dobbs Working Group members:

Dagmara Avelar – 85th district

“In Illinois, we continue to protect women and all people who are seeking reproductive and gender affirming care. The Trump administration continues to reduce rights to minorities, women, and the LGBTQ+ community, but the House Dobbs Working Group will continue to assure all Illinois residents that they are seen and protected. In this state, healthcare, whether it be reproductive or gender affirming, will continue to be provided to the communities and people who need them because it’s a necessary service to live happy healthy lives.”

Mary Beth Canty – 54th district

“During my time in the Dobbs Working Group, Attorney General Raoul has been a great ally fighting the radical interest groups looking to curtail access to essential healthcare. Our approach as lawmakers has to be policy-focused, but not neglectful of the need for clear and prompt communication,” said Rep. Mary Beth Canty. “Fear and doubt regarding the rights to personal freedom and bodily autonomy can do serious damage. Reassurances like Attorney General Raoul’s are vital to the common good.”

Terra Costa Howard – 42nd district

“Personal health decisions should be made by patients in consultation with their healthcare teams,” said Rep. Terra Costa Howard. “There is no place for government interference in these private decisions, and I am proud that the State of Illinois is standing up against this Administration’s attacks on our fundamental rights.”

Margaret Croke – 12th district

“While the Trump administration lacks regard for human impact, here in Illinois, we’re fighting for what’s best for our residents. That means continuing to protect the rights of the many patients and families who rely on reproductive and gender-affirming care, which not only allows people to authentically be their best selves, but also in many cases, saves lives,” said Rep. Margaret Croke.

Kim duBuclet – 5th district

“While Washington tries to strip away fundamental rights and dignity, we’re moving Illinois in a better direction,” DuBuclet said. “They may do everything in their power to take away a person’s right to control their own body, but we remain committed to protecting gender-affirming care so that everyone can live with dignity and fulfillment.”

Lilian Jimenez – 4th district

“I applaud the Attorney General’s efforts to defend the right to essential lifesaving medical treatment in Illinois,” Rep. Lilian Jiménez said. “President Trump’s attacks on trans and queer youth are cruel, but the cruelty is the point. His abuse of executive power to strip away healthcare access, particularly for those seeking gender affirming care, is yet another calculated assault on our communities. I am committed to confronting these injustices head on and defending the right to lifesaving medical care. Access to affordable, high-quality care is already a significant challenge for everyday working families, and we will not allow this to continue. More work can, must, and will be done.”

Gregg Johnson – 72nd district

“The right to make medical decisions – without interference from politicians – is under attack in this country once again. Trump’s callous executive order targets some of the most vulnerable kids in our communities and it has no place in our state,” said state Rep. Gregg Johnson, D-Rock Island. “I’m proud to be working with Attorney General Raoul and the rest of my colleagues to craft a future where medical decisions in Illinois are kept safe from political interference.”

Anna Moeller – 43rd district

“It’s unfortunate, but sadly unsurprising, that rather than using the ‘bully pulpit’ to lead, President Trump is instead using it just to be a bully,” said Rep. Anna Moeller. “Here in Illinois, we’re not having it, and I’m looking forward to continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with AG Raoul and my colleagues in the House to keep our state safe and supportive for all.”

Yolonda Morris – 9th district

“Everyone has the right to make choices about their bodies,” Rep. Yolonda Morris said. “Ensuring that young people have access to a full range of care is critical not only to their wellbeing, but to the compassionate communities we aim to build.”

Kevin Olickal – 16th district

“Trans people have always existed – and always will,” said Rep. Kevin Olickal. “Attacks on their access to safety and healthcare only fuel fear and harm, making an already vulnerable community even more unsafe. I remain an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and will always advocate for their right to live safely and openly.”

Ann Williams – 11th district

“I am proud to have worked on landmark protections for those seeking and providing reproductive care in the state of Illinois, including blocking out of state prosecutors from criminally charging individuals crossing state lines and codifying coverage of reproductive and HIV treatment medications,” Rep. Ann Williams said. “There’s no doubt that the next four years will put our ability to safeguard reproductive care to the test. Along with the Dobbs Working Group, I am committed to creating accessible and affordable reproductive healthcare at home and taking the fight to those who would take us back.”

And Jehan Gordon-Booth – 92nd district

Attorney General Raoul’s Statement:

https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-reaffirms- commitment-to-protecting-access-to-gender-affirming-care

Lurie Children’s Hospital Statement:

GENDER CARE

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is proud to provide access to comprehensive, family-centric, and developmentally appropriate healthcare in a safe and inclusive clinical space. We are reviewing the recent Executive Orders addressing gender care and assessing any potential impact to the clinical services we offer to our patient families.

Our team will continue to advocate for access to medically necessary care, grounded in science and compassion for the patient-families we are so privileged to serve.

SKOKIE, Ill. — A medical debt relief initiative backed by state Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Skokie, has eliminated $72 million in old medical bills for more than 52,000 Illinoisans, with more relief on the way.

“I know the challenges our neighbors face from high costs and rising consumer debt, and it’s time we put the right tools in place to help our hardworking families burdened by this financial
strain,” said Olickal. “By buying debt from collectors for pennies on the dollar, we can help our families pay their outstanding medical bills. Families shouldn’t have to risk delaying crucial care due to the monetary grapples of hospital or doctor’s visits that are critical for maintaining our health.”

Olickal was integral to passing House Bill 5290 last spring, implementing the state’s Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program. The program has forgiven over $72 million in debt for more than 52,000 Illinoisans and is part of the state’s ongoing commitment to improving health equity in Illinois, where Black Illinoisans are 50% more likely to accrue medical debt than their white peers.

The program is eligible for low-income residents with a household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or whose medical debt exceeds 5% of their household income, allowing families to prioritize their health without financial burden.

“Medical debt perpetuates our low-income families into cycles of poverty, limiting their ability to meet basic needs. Addressing the medical debt crisis for families across the state removes a critical barrier, leading to healthier communities and reducing a long-term strain on state resources.”

Eligible Illinois residents need not apply but will receive notification letters after their debt has been eliminated. More information can be found here.

CHICAGO — State Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Skokie, issued the following statement in response to a possible hate crime shooting that took place over the weekend on Chicago’s North Side.

“I am deeply saddened by the violent shooting that took place against a Jewish man on his way to Synagogue in West Rogers Park this past weekend. I understand the fear our Jewish community is feeling right now amidst surging antisemitism, and my prayers are with the victim and their family during this difficult time.

While I appreciate the swift response by the Chicago Police Department, I strongly urge law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation of this incident, including any evidence of a possible hate-crime. No one should ever feel unsafe because of who they are, their beliefs, or their background. I stand with our Jewish community in condemning all acts of hate or violence based on faith or identity.

It is critical that we confront hate in all its forms with full transparency and accountability. Everyone has the right to live peacefully, and I remain committed to fostering a community where safety, respect, and justice are upheld for all.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Kevin Olickal, D-Skokie, is working to strengthen the privacy of confidential information for older adults with a new law that will restrict the
release of sensitive records to the Illinois Department of Aging (IDoA) Ombudsman.

“I’m pleased this much-needed improvement in privacy standards was brought to my attention this session. By working alongside the Illinois Association of Long-Term Care Ombudsmen, we’re turning words into action by successfully passing this bill onto the governor’s desk, who has now put this into law,” said Olickal. “I look forward to seeing the positive transformation this law will bring to our older adult community, which will add layers to safeguarding privacy, complying with regulations, and maintaining trust and confidentiality in our state government.”

Under Senate Bill 2715, the Illinois Act on Aging will clarify that all case records containing resident and other personal information collected by the Ombudsman Program cannot be disclosed outside the program without a lawful subpoena or the State Ombudsman’s strict permission. This removes current ambiguity and ensures consistent application of privacy protections.

“Individuals who lodge complaints can now do so without fear that their identities or details will be exposed, encouraging more people to come forward with any issues they face,” said Olickal. “This small but effective change will enhance the trust of the Ombudsman Program by ensuring that all sensitive information is handled with the highest level of confidentiality.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Skokie, is working to make the justice system smarter and fairer with a new law that will help rehabilitate individuals after first-time and low-level offenses by allowing those who successfully complete probation to avoid the mark of a serious criminal record.

“This piece of legislation is crucial to allow Illinoisians participating in special probation programs to obtain and keep a steady job, afford housing for themselves and their family members, and have access to other opportunities that make our state safer and more equitable,” said Olickal. “The current law is contradictory and unclear, which leads to many of these folks being denied employment and affordable housing. We’re fixing this issue by making it crystal clear that those who participate in these second-chance programs are not misinterpreted as convicted felons.”

Olickal introduced House Bill 5285 during the spring session to ensure that system-involved individuals who successfully complete the terms of court-ordered probation programs for certain non-violent drug and gun possession cases are not branded as convicted criminals. This change will expand access to employment and housing opportunities that may have otherwise been denied to them, while also encouraging people with eligible cases to participate in diversion and treatment programs.

Governor JB Pritzker signed Olickal’s House Bill 5285 into law on Friday, July 19.

“People who participate in these second-chance programs are showing their desire to build better lives, but their background checks misinterpret them as convicted felons and isolate them from equal opportunities,” said Olickal. “I’m pleased to see the governor sign this bill into law so we can turn this on its head, right our wrongs, so that more people can benefit from special probation programs.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois families will have access to better and more affordable health care coverage under new laws backed by state Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Skokie, aiming to reduce costs and hold big insurance companies accountable.

“The Healthcare Protection Act represents a transformative step forward in our healthcare system. Illinoisians in rural areas, suburbs, and cities alike deserve access to affordable, high-quality care,” said Olickal. “This legislation is a landmark achievement in our ongoing quest for healthcare equity, and it sets a powerful precedent for future reforms aimed at improving our state’s healthcare system. Healthcare decisions should be between you and your doctor, not premeditated by big insurance. I’m extremely proud we can incorporate this new standard of care to fix current gaps in our system.”

The Olickal-backed House Bill 5395 and House Bill 2499 were signed into law Wednesday, delivering a series of major reforms to make health care coverage better and more affordable. The new Health Care Protection Act would create a rate review process requiring insurance companies to justify premium increases, and empowering state watchdogs to reject unwarranted hikes that simply pad profits.

Additionally, the measure curbs gimmicks insurance companies use to deny access to medically necessary treatments, procedures, and prescription medications, including step therapy — where insurance companies require a patient to ‘try and fail’ with cheap, ineffective treatments before covering the prescribed treatment or medication. Under the Healthcare Protection Act, doctors and patients will now be empowered to make important medical decisions — not insurance companies.

These measures also stop insurance companies from selling inadequate short-term healthcare plans that provide little or no coverage.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Chicago, is advancing legislation to require that insurance companies cover the cost of wigs and scalp prosthesis for those battling or recovering from cancer and other serious medical conditions resulting in hair loss.

“There is a great deal of emotional stress associated with hair loss — patients recovering from these types of conditions shouldn’t have to empty their pockets to obtain a wig or scalp prosthesis,” said Olickal. “Ensuring this type of insurance coverage is a simple, yet extremely impactful, way to restore patients’ confidence and sense of self during some of life’s toughest battles.”

The Olickal-backed Senate Bill 2573 would require insurance companies to cover the cost of one wig or scalp prosthesis every 12 months for cancer survivors, those with alopecia or other conditions that would cause hair loss. The initiative is supported by the Illinois State Medical Society and passed unanimously out of the Senate on Friday, April 12.

“Recovering from a serious medical condition is more than a physical battle; it’s an emotionally and mentally draining experience. This key piece of legislation embraces every facet of healing. We owe it to these patients to support them from the beginning to the very end of their treatment,” Olickal said.

Olickal recently championed multiple key healthcare reforms, including his sponsorship of House Bill 5395, which curtails overreach by insurance companies when they needlessly deny medically necessary treatments, raise premiums without cause and under-insure consumers when they buy short-term health plans.

SKOKIE, Ill. — State Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Skokie, issued the following statement in response to recent news that Walgreens will be adding Mifepristone, a life-saving reproductive health care medication, to some Illinois stores:
“There’s no question about it — A woman should be able to make her own health care decisions without politicians getting in the way. The news that Mifepristone will be provided at select Walgreens across the state is a substantial step for reproductive freedom and proof that here in Illinois, we don’t bow down to anti-choice extremists,” said Olickal. “While the harrowing actions of the Supreme Court affect this fundamental right nationwide, one thing is clear — I pledge to continue working alongside my colleagues to protect critical reproductive healthcare rights.”

SKOKIE, Ill. — State Rep. Kevin Olickal issued the following statement in response to the Governor’s budget address on Wednesday afternoon:

 “As we begin the important work of crafting a responsible, compassionate budget that works for every Illinoisian, I am honored to be in the company of leaders and lawmakers alike that prioritize upholding fundamental rights — including preserving and expanding necessary healthcare for working-class families, such as women’s healthcare,” said Olickal. “I am pleased to see the Governor urge appropriate action to uphold healthcare standards in our state — especially against big insurance policies that act as barriers for individuals and families seeking critical healthcare treatments. This budget proposal sheds light on the faulty practices of predatory healthcare policies, which have put countless Illinoisans into medical debt, while marking an indisputably positive step towards affordable, quality healthcare for all Illinoisans.”

SKOKIE, Ill. — State Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Skokie, joined a nationwide wave of legislators in efforts to protect bodily autonomy by urging the Supreme Court to defend access to mifepristone and other critical reproductive health medications.

“Reproductive health medications such as mifepristone are life-changing, life-saving drugs,” said Olickal. “Illinois is committed to protecting women’s right to choose. We will not sit by and let far-right judges push archaic, anti-choice policies to diminish that.”

Olickal signed an amicus brief, or a letter of an advisory brief, urging the Court to reject right-wing efforts to restrict access to mifepristone, one of only two medications used to end pregnancy and treat miscarriage safely. Olickal was joined by more than 600 other legislators in 49 other states imploring the Supreme Court to reverse the decision that would limit the drug’s access nationwide.

“Illinois is a haven for human rights, and we will not succumb to right-wing pressures attempting to deter that. Whether we are standing up for a woman’s right to choose, standing up to discrimination in LGBTQ+ communities, or fighting for equal opportunities for members of our community, I will continue to push a legislative agenda that ensures human rights are a priority — not left in the dust,” Olickal said.