CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Nearly a hundred healthcare and immigrant advocates marched Thursday from Pilsen to Downtown, where they pleaded for the Governor to reverse a change to non-citizen healthcare.
Enrollment is set to be paused this weekend for a state funded healthcare program for non-citizens ages 42 to 64. There will also be a cap in place for a separate program offering similar benefits to those ages 65 and older.
Outside the Thompson Center, one woman initially remained calm while telling us that she had just come from learning of a breast cancer diagnosis. But, she began to sob and asked that she remain anonymous because she has not yet told her family.
She told WBBM she enrolled in a health care program just four months ago. She underwent a biopsy after receiving a mammogram, and her diagnosis has been caught early. She now has a good chance at treatment and recovery.
For those unable to enroll in the program, however, a diagnosis for any number of ailments may only come through a visit to the ER, and may come too late to be treated effectively and at a greater cost to taxpayers.
Another woman, Maria, who would only share her first name with WBBM, is asking that the governor not pause the enrollment.
Maria said that the program has been life changing for the many families that have enrolled, some never before having access to health care. The community is now worried what will happen next.
Governor Pritzker’s office has not responded to WBBM's multiple requests for comment.
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