Small Towns in Illinois Will Be Hit Particularly Hard by GOP’s Proposed Cuts to Medicaid
CHICAGO (IL)—As Congressional Republicans continue to advance an agenda to recklessly repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and gut Medicaid, a new report published this week finds a disproportionate share of children and families living in rural areas rely on these programs for their healthcare coverage.
Released Wednesday, Medicaid in Small Town America: A Lifeline for Children, Families and Communities sheds light on the vital role that Medicaid and the ACA play in rural communities and small towns all throughout the state of Illinois. Among the findings:
- 42% of Illinois children in rural areas and small towns receive health coverage through Medicaid and All Kids, the state’s health insurance program for children.
- 19% of adults in non-metro areas are covered by Medicaid.
- In some counties, the numbers are even higher. In Alexander County, for example, 63% of children are covered by Medicaid.
At a press event on Thursday, Senator Dick Durbin, researchers, advocates, healthcare providers, and consumers decried federal attempts to decimate these programs.
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