Affordable Care Act

Officials at Get Covered Illinois announced Monday they would extend the open enrollment deadline by 16 days. For coverage beginning Feb. 1, consumers must enroll by Jan. 31.

Illinois is on track to see a decrease in enrollment in the Affordable Care Act, though people can continue to enroll in the program through Jan. 15.

U. S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, a Democrat from Moline, said he’s willing to consider some limits or cost controls that would help the plan pass in the Senate, where 60 votes are required for passage.

The Central Illinois Democrat said he returned millions of dollars to his district through federal grants and constituent assistance. But a looming health care deadline remains unfinished business as lawmakers leave Washington until January.

Illinois residents who buy health insurance on the state-run marketplace now have a little more time to sign up for coverage for the upcoming year.

The fight over the extension of the health care subsidies was a key factor in the longest government shutdown in history. Democrats wanted them extended and accepted a pledge from Republican leadership to schedule a vote soon.

The McLean County Alliance for Community Services is composed of advocates for low-income families fighting for food and health care for all.

Republicans and Democrats continue blaming each other for the government shutdown even after the vote on a continuing resolution to fund the government until the end of January.

WGLT talks to Chestnut Health Systems and the Community Health Care Clinic about the potential impact of the Republican tax cut and spending bill.

More than 300,000 Illinois residents could lose health insurance coverage when Medicaid pandemic protections end on March 31.