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On Wednesday, April 25, hospital leaders from across Illinois will converge at the Capitol for health care Advocacy Day to talk to legislators about the devastating impact an 8 percent Medicaid rate cut ($350 million) to hospitals will have on patients, the health care system, jobs and the economy. Such a drastic cut would result in the loss of more than 3,600 jobs and nearly $470 million in economic activity.

The Governor’s proposed 8 percent rate cut won’t fix Medicaid or heal people. It just creates another economic burden for hospitals.

One in three Illinois hospitals already operates in the red and many others are barely breaking even. Medicaid cuts could force hospitals to lay off employees and severely reduce or eliminate vital services, or even close.

An 8 percent cut goes too far, especially when you consider Illinois ranks 44th in the U.S. for Medicaid spending per beneficiary.

Yes, the Medicaid system must change. The Illinois Hospital Association has provided the General Assembly with thoughtful, workable Medicaid savings alternatives that protect patients’ access to care and improve outcomes.

It’s time to protect Illinois health care for both today and tomorrow.

Learn more at: www.protectillinoishealthcare.org.