Illinois Hospital Association Supports Governor's Uninsured Plan

The Illinois Hospital Association (IHA) today endorsed Illinois Covered, Governor Blagojevich’s program to provide access to affordable health care coverage for the state’s 1.4 million uninsured adults.

"Enhancing access to health care has always been our major goal," said IHA President Kenneth C. Robbins. "We applaud the Governor for taking this groundbreaking step. We look forward to working with the Governor and the General Assembly to work out the details of the Illinois Covered program."

"Among the challenges that hospitals face each day are caring for uninsured patients who appear in emergency rooms — who have not had primary care, who have not had annual check-ups — and are often sicker and suffer more," Robbins added. "Many of the problems that the uninsured struggle with could have been prevented had they received the right care at the right time. The Governor’s proposal will help improve the health and lives of uninsured and underinsured Illinoisans."

"We are greatly appreciative that the Governor continues to show strong support for the funding of Illinois hospitals and other health care services in these extremely difficult economic times," said Robbins. "The Illinois Hospital Association is gratified by his support as our hospitals continue to provide vital services to all Illinois residents."

The Illinois Hospital Association, with offices in Naperville and Springfield, represents approximately 200 hospitals and health systems and the patients and communities they serve. Association members range from teaching hospitals, to community hospitals, to rural facilities, to specialty institutions.