“We need this legislation to let poverty-stricken adults, whether they have children or not, receive Medicaid benefits. Opening up access to the Affordable Care Act and closing these coverage gaps is the right thing, and it’s time to do the right thing.” – Sen. Emil Jones III

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones III (D–Chicago) proudly supported a measure today that could expand health care to an additional 342,000 Illinoisans.

The Senate approved legislation allowing the state to take advantage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to provide Medicaid to low-income adult state citizens.

Sen. Jones, a co-sponsor of the measure said its passage will provide Medicaid benefits to citizens previously denied them.

“We need this legislation to let poverty-stricken adults, whether they have children or not, receive Medicaid benefits,” said Sen. Jones. “Opening up access to the Affordable Care Act and closing these coverage gaps is the right thing, and it’s time to do the right thing.”

The expansion would begin in 2014 and is targeted to cover the lapse of low-income adults ages 19 to 64 currently unable to receive Medicaid.

“Health care and insurance are both key issues I am passionate about” Jones stated. “Making sure we don’t have any lapses in health care coverage and its funding is critical, and is something we must accomplish.”

SB 26 now moves to the Illinois House for further consideration.