Working Families

More than 7 out of 10 Illinois residents without insurance have at least one full-time worker at home, largely because health care costs are increasing faster than wages and have been since 1999. If this trend continues, as expected, more and more working families will be unable to afford coverage.

 Get the Facts—The Health Insurance Crisis Impacts All of Us

People of Color

People of color in Illinois, particularly African and Hispanic Americans, are uninsured at higher rates than their white counterparts, are more likely to work for an employer that does not offer affordable health coverage, and as a result, generally have more health problems and die younger.
 
 Get the Facts-The Health Insurance Crisis Impacts All of Us

Retirees and Seniors

Skyrocketing prescription drug costs, which are not covered under Medicare, are devastating to seniors living on a fixed income. In addition, while people over age 65 are covered through Medicare, many older Americans between the ages of 55-64 face difficulties accessing affordable insurance, especially when a spouse dies, retires or becomes eligible for Medicare.
 
 Get the Facts-The Health Insurance Crisis Impacts All of Us

Small Businesses and the Self-Employed

We are an economy that relies heavily on entrepreneurs and small businesses-98% of businesses in Illinois are small businesses. Since small businesses and the self-employed aren't able to purchase insurance as cheaply as large corporations, rising health costs are making it increasingly difficult for them to afford basic health coverage for their employees and their families. 

 Get the Facts-The Health Insurance Crisis Impacts All of Us

Temporarily Unemployed

Since March of last year, the national unemployment rate has fluctuated within the 5.7% to 6% range. As policymakers consider how to help newly unemployed workers and reinvigorate the overall economy, it is important that policies be put in place to ensure that workers do not lose their health insurance as well as their jobs. 

 Get the Facts-The Health Insurance Crisis Impacts All of Us

The Uninsured

More than 74 million Americans were uninsured for all or part of 2001-2002 -- that's nearly one-third of all Americans under age 65. In Illinois, 3,188,000 residents, or 25% of the population went without health care for some part of the last 2 years. Because the cost of health care keeps rising out of control, being uninsured can happen to any of us. And when it does happen, it means our families are more likely to either forego needed medical care or experience severe financial hardship trying to afford it.
 
 Get the Facts-The Health Insurance Crisis Impacts All of Us