Quinn for Illinois

Health care is not a privilege, it is a fundamental right.

As Governor, Pat Quinn has been a vocal advocate for health care reform and a strong supporter of a public option.

Throughout his more than 30 years in public service, he's worked to bring adequate health care to everyone in Illinois. Governor Quinn has sought to aid groups not receiving adequate health care, and protected the benefits of groups that already do.

More than ever, we need strong healthcare reform advocates like Governor Quinn to ensure that everyone has access to quality care at a reasonable price.

Leadership

We can't control what happens in Washington. But we can attack our state's health issues, as Governor Quinn has done year after year.

• In 2001, Governor Quinn and Dr. Quentin Young walked 167 miles across the state to build support for the Joseph Cardinal Bernadin Amendment, Barack Obama's proposed amendment to the state constitution that would guarantee decent health care for every Illinoisan
• Before and since his "Walk Across Illinois," Governor Quinn has vigorously pursued the goal of ensuring adequate healthcare for everyone - he's expanded and protected health care access for:

Seniors

• Governor Quinn signed legislation that expands the pool of seniors eligible to receive prescription drug assistance from the state under the Circuit Breaker and Illinois Cares Rx programs
• Appointed the Nursing Home Safety Task Force to tighten state regulation of nursing homes and protect residents from abuse and neglect
• Proclaimed SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) Week to highlight free counseling available to the over 1.45 million Illinoisans 65 years of age or older who are eligible for Medicare

Unemployed Workers

• Recognizing the need to protect workers during the worst recession in 50 years, Governor Quinn signed the "mini-COBRA" bill to provide a 65% health insurance subsidy for recently unemployed small business employees.

Children with Disabilities

• Governor Quinn signed Senate Bill 101 in May 2009, requiring health insurers to cover occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy for children who have congenital, genetic, or early acquired disorders like autism or cerebral palsy

Veterans

• Governor Quinn has made health care for veterans one of his highest priorities. He supported Illinois Veterans' Care, a program that makes health benefits available to the 9,000 Illinois veterans ineligible for federal VA benefits.

Low-Income Households

• Governor Quinn signed legislation to funnel $120 million in federal assistance payments to Medicaid providers and rural hospitals
• When a tax-exempt hospital illegally overcharged its low-income patients in 2004, then Lt. Gov. Quinn publicized the issue and made it clear that predatory health care practices were unacceptable

Orthotic and Prosthetic Users

• Governor Quinn signed legislation that amends the Illinois Insurance Code to ensure that coverage for orthotic and prosthetic devices matches nearly all medical or surgical benefits
• HB 2652 will give more orthotic and prosthetic users access to new, technologically-advanced and well-fitting devices