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For Immediate Release                                               Contacts:

December 31, 2008                                                     David Irwin                312-458-3621

                                                                                           Heather Underwood         312-458-3623

                                                                    

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION FOR ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS: FIX BROKEN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

 

AARP Calls on Legislature to Make Health Care Top Priority in 2009

 

Statement by Bob Gallo

 SeniorState Director

AARP Illinois

 

SPRINGFIELD , Illinois — The economic situation is forcing more Illinois families to face a broken health care system.  Everyday an increasing number of people are cutting back on necessities in order to pay for health care and delaying seeing their doctor because it’s too expensive.  High health care costs are leaving many unable to afford the care they need. 

 

Enough is enough.  AARP is calling on the Illinois General Assembly to make a New Year’s resolution to fix the state’s health care system.  The people of Illinois are losing the battle against a health care system that is unaffordable and inadequate and it’s time for all of our state lawmakers to make health care a top priority.

 

AARP is advocating for health care quality measures to establish needed reforms in the insurance industry, helping to ensure people are not denied coverage because of pre-existing health conditions, their age or other factors.  We will press for the expansion of health insurance through Medicaid to cover people between the ages of 50-64, and work to ensure Illinois pays its health care bills on time so people can get care when they need it. 

 

This New Year’s resolution will require lawmakers to break through political gridlock and set aside partisan bickering to focus on health care solutions that work.  AARP is dedicated to working with the General Assembly to ensure Illinois residents have affordable access to the health care they need and deserve.

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