[The following is a paid advertisement.]

With affordability a top concern, our state’s hospitals remain strong contributors to the Illinois economy, supporting workers through over half a million jobs and fueling $135.5 billion in economic activity every year. Illinois hospitals are major employers and economic engines that build stronger communities—in addition to their role in enhancing health and providing lifesaving care.

Illinois hospitals are essential to the state, the communities they serve and the patients they care for. Across Illinois, over 40% of residents rely on Medicaid and Medicare for their health coverage. Both government payers do not cover the full cost of care, leaving hospitals with continual deficits in the face of rising costs and massive cuts in H.R. 1.

Illinois is expected to see a 19% decrease from 10-year federal baseline Medicaid spending—one of the highest percentage reductions in the U.S.—and up to $57 billion in lost Medicaid funding over 10 years.

Continuing to lose drug discounts required of pharmaceutical manufacturers would be yet another blow to hospitals that would impact the most vulnerable patients. House Bill 2371 SA 2 is urgently needed to preserve access to care for patients struggling to make ends meet and the nonprofit hospitals that care for them.

Stand with patients and the healthcare safety net: VOTE YES on HB 2371 SA 2! Learn more.