Healthcare access is a major issue in Illinois. Governor Pritzker recently signed into law the Healthcare Protection Act. This law lowers the price of medical care for millions throughout the state.
(NEW YORK) — The new law puts patients at the center by delivering better care and lowering costs. It establishes a Community Health Workers program that assists people in obtaining health services. The measure also includes training for doctors on implicit bias. This will allow them to better serve all Illinois residents.
Illinois is trying to build an equitable health system for all of us. The state has extended coverage to immigrants over 42. Now, leaders are being asked to do more. These are the steps that showcase Illinois willingness in treating health care as a human right.
Van Stein’s Vision for Healthcare in Illinois
Van Stein hopes to build a healthcare system that meets the needs of all Illinoisans. Her proposal emphasizes improving access to care, helping those who can’t afford it, and better mental health services. Improving Access to Quality Care
Van Stein believes quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone in Illinois. Her plans include expanding Medicaid eligibility so more people can enroll. That would benefit a lot of people who can’t currently afford insurance. }}
Van Stein also hopes to bolster provider networks. That means ensuring there are enough physicians and nurses throughout the state. She believes it will result in better health outcomes for all.
The other major consideration is supporting certified professional midwives. This was especially true in the rural areas, where maternity care could benefit from the maternal health outcomes produced by such a team.
Will they help vulnerable populations?
Van Stein cares about helping people who have a hard time getting into a doctor’s office. She wants to preserve continuous eligibility for Medicaid. That would allow people to maintain their coverage even if their income varied slightly.
Van Stein would like to expand postpartum health care coverage for new moms. Adding more support for moms and babies could keep both healthy.
Van Stein also plans to offer immigrants adults and seniors health benefits. She figures that no matter where you come from, you deserve some care.
Enhancing Mental and Behavioral Health
Mental health is a big focus for Van Stein. She wants to make mental health services easier to get. This includes adding more mental health wellness checks.
Van Stein also plans to improve substance use disorder treatment. She believes in using peer support recovery specialists to help people stay on track.
To improve these services, Van Stein wants to integrate mental health care into regular doctor visits. This could help catch problems early and get people the help they need faster.
Strategies for Reducing Health Disparities
Health disparities affect many communities across Illinois. Taking action to close these gaps can lead to better health for everyone. Let’s look at some ways to make healthcare fairer and more accessible.
Pioneering Practices and Services
Novel approaches can plug health gaps. When Medicaid coverage increases, more people receive care. The community spouse resource allowance could be raised in Illinois so families would not have to lose savings when a loved one needs long-term care.
Offering services such as acupuncture for pain management also opens up treatment options for people. Increasing Medi-Car fares helps Seniors and People with Disabilities access medical appointments. Higher dental rates attract more dentists to see Medicaid patients.
More options for women with breech babies by offering external cephalic versions at more hospitals. Mobile clinics bring care to underserved areas with limited doctors and hospitals.
Improving Health for All Communities
Better health for everyone means engaging groups that tend to be left behind. Illinois can also expand postpartum care to keep new moms healthy. Universal health coverage for undocumented immigrants ensures the availability of basic care for everyone.
Connecting with diverse patients requires cultural awareness training for doctors and nurses. Creating jobs through hiring community health workers improves care. Providing health education in languages other than English disseminates vital information.
Establishing school-based health centers makes access to check-ups and shots easy for kids. Increasing green space in urban environments provides people with safe places to get outside and move.
