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All across the country, working families and businesses are struggling with the rising costs of healthcare. The cost of healthcare is skyrocketing. The number of uninsured is rising sharply. And it is becoming increasingly difficult for businesses, especially small businesses to provide health coverage for their employees and retirees.
There are nearly 47 million uninsured people in this country and 1.4 million are right here in Illinois. The result is that millions of people go through every day life without preventative medical care. They fear an accident or illness will wipe out their savings and destroy their lives.
But this issue goes well beyond the ranks of the uninsured. There are many middle class families struggling every month to pay for private insurance. The rising costs of healthcare force them to cut back on necessities and many cannot afford to save for college educations or even take a family vacation. More and more employers are providing less and less coverage because of astronomical costs.
Illinois has not and will not wait for Washington to act. The healthcare crisis must be addressed. The need is clear. The time is now.
On March 7th, I announced a plan to expand access to existing healthcare programs and create an affordable quality option for all men and women and small businesses in Illinois. Unfortunately, the Illinois General Assembly failed to act on expanding access to healthcare this session. In the face of that inaction, I am using my executive authority to expand healthcare to over 500,000 more Illinoisans.
I also invite you to share your story with me. Please take a moment to let me know how the lack of health insurance or the high cost of private insurance impacts you and your family. You can also read about the plight of others in our Illinois Stories section.
Sincerely,
Rod R. Blagojevich
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