Illinois lawmakers, health officials oppose Medicaid cuts in GOP bill

CHICAGO (WGN) – Critics are sounding the alarm about the potential for drastic Medicaid cuts in the new bill from Republicans making its way through the Senate.

As Senate Republican leadership strive to advance the bill, local Illinois lawmakers and health officials have strongly opposed it. They warn the proposed multibillion dollars in Medicaid cuts could force sacrifices in critical care or lead to hospital closures.

“Sixteen million Americans across this country won’t have health care,” Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Illinois) said.

On Friday, Kelly joined health care professionals and elected officials at the Blue Island Health Center to defend Medicaid in response to potential cuts proposed by President Donald Trump.

“[It] puts people’s lives at risk and hospitals by cutting nearly $700 billion,” Kelly said.

Kelly added that just down the street, the south suburbs lost its hospital in 2019. It’s a loss she said that still looms and stands as a stark reminder of what could happen if Trump’s sweeping bill to cut federal spending and extend tax cuts is enacted.

“[It pushes] hospitals to the brink and essential care from those who need it most,” Blue island Mayor Fred Bilotto said.

Many Senate Republican lawmakers said there’s still time to work through differences and finalize a deal. Some Republicans believe the House version, which includes a tax freeze, could lay the groundwork for that agreement.

“I would think that would be easy to do. That’s what probably our leadership should have done,” Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) said.

Meanwhile, Cook County health leaders believe it’s not just about millions losing health care coverage. They warn the impact would be far-reaching and devastating, extending well beyond the public health system and impacting entire communities.

“We’re talking about small, rural community hospitals, nursing homes, children, seniors, for adults working multiple low income jobs,” Cook County Health COO Dr. Kiran Joshi said.

The Senate returns to session next week with staffers working through the weekend, preparing to make crucial decisions on Medicaid policies.

President Trump has insisted that the bill be on his desk by July 4.