“Public funding of healthcare coverage for the uninsured pays for itself in a panoply of benefits that reach well beyond the individuals who receive such assistance.”
So says the “The Benefits of Health Coverage for Immigrants in Illinois” report conducted by the Great Cities Institute (CGI) at the University of Illinois Chicago, commissioned by the Healthy Illinois Campaign and released Friday at a symposium at the North Lawndale Employment Network offices.
“We’ve known all along that covering the uninsured creates benefits that ripple out to society as a whole,” Campaign Director Tovia Siegel said in a press release. “Now, thanks to the work GCI has done, we can see numbers that reinforce our position. Covering everyone, regardless of their immigration status, is not only good for those covered. It’s good for all of us. We’re in this together.”
Healthy Illinois commissioned the study as a part of its campaign to maintain funding and expand eligibility for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) programs. Those programs fill coverage gaps for undocumented Illinois residents who are unable to qualify for Medicaid due to their immigration status.
From The Daily Line (To go to the actual article, please click on this link.)
