Illinois to expand Medicaid to address root causes of health inequalities

CHICAGO — Illinois is getting ready to significantly expand Medicaid, taking it beyond the traditional medical and prescriptions realms.

On Monday, Governor JB Pritzker celebrated a milestone in the state’s goal to address the root causes of health inequalities.

The federal government has approved a 1115 Demonstration Waiver , which means the state will soon expand Medicaid coverage beyond traditional medical care.

The state is calling it a transformational change, expanding Medicaid to cover services like housing, nutrition and the transition from incarceration.

“New services such as housing and housing supports, food and nutrition services, violence intervention and prevention services will now be reimbursed by Illinois Medicaid,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said.

Illinois is the first state that has been approved to address community violence through the waiver.

“Allowing for screening and needs assessment, trauma therapy and other services for Medicaid beneficiaries who have survived violence or are currently experiencing or at risk of experiencing violence,” HFS Director Elizabeth Whitehorn said.

Illinois is also one of five states that can help incarcerated people prepare for release from correctional institutions, with case management and physical and behavioral health services now covered.

“Under this program, people can now leave prison with a minimum of 30 days’ supply of prescribed medications,” Director of the Illinois Justice Project, Ahmadou Dramé, said.

The celebration happened at the Greater Chicago Food Depository , because food and nutrition are another key part of the expansion, as Illinois works to advance access and health equity.

“Food insecurity, chronic disease and costly health outcomes are intrinsically linked,” Amy Laboy, the Vice President of Programs & Community Partnerships at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, said.

“You’ve heard the phrase ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ well that’s what this waiver means for Illinoisians all across our state,” Pritzker said.

Monday marked the announcement of the approval of the expansion, the next steps are planning and implementation.

There has not yet been any word from the governor’s office on when the changes could take effect.

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