(20 ILCS 2230/5-5)

Sec. 5-5. Findings. The General Assembly finds that:

(1) The State is committed to improving the health and well-being of Illinois residents and families.

(2) Illinois has over 835,000 uninsured residents, with a total uninsured rate of 7.9%.

(3) 774,500 of Illinois' uninsured residents are below 400% of the federal poverty level, with higher uninsured rates of more than 13% below 250% of the federal poverty level and an uninsured rate of 8.3% below 400% of the federal poverty level.

(4) The cost of health insurance premiums remains a barrier to obtaining health insurance coverage for many Illinois residents and families.

(5) Many Illinois residents and families who have health insurance cannot afford to use it due to high deductibles and cost sharing.

(6) Improving health insurance affordability is key to increasing health insurance coverage and access.

(7) Despite progress made under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, health insurance is still not affordable enough for many Illinois residents and families.

(8) Illinois has a lower uninsured rate than the national average of 10.2%, but a higher uninsured rate compared to states that have state-directed policies to improve affordability, including Massachusetts with an uninsured rate of 3.2%.

(9) Illinois has an opportunity to create a healthy Illinois where health insurance coverage is more affordable and accessible for all Illinois residents, families, and small businesses.

(Source: P.A. 101-649, eff. 7-7-20.)