SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Illinois lawmakers are urging for increased consideration in funding immigrant healthcare within the state as the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program faces potential budget cuts.
The program, which provides healthcare for eligible adults, is scheduled to end on July 1 unless additional funding is secured.
Some lawmakers argue that ending the program will further strain an already stressed medical system.
U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez, representing the 3rd Congressional District, emphasized the program’s importance, saying, "For us, these are not just numbers on a spreadsheet or a line item on a budget bill. For us, the health benefits of the immigrant adults program save lives it has saved It has saved so many of our own loved ones."
The Illinois General Assembly faces a deadline of May 31 to approve a budget, which is proposed to be nearly $55 billion.
