09.24.13

Durbin Statement on Illinois Health Plan Rates

Illinois Health Plan Rates are 25% Lower than Predicted

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today after the State of Illinois announced that the rates for health care plans in Illinois’ new Health Insurance Marketplace will be more than 25 percent lower than initial estimates. The marketplace, created as part of the Affordable Care Act or “Obamacare,” will open on October 1st.

 

“Today’s announcement by the State of Illinois confirms what many have been saying for years: Obamacare will lower health care costs for millions of families,” Durbin said. “Beginning on October 1st, families across the state will be able to pick a health care plan that suits their needs. Dozens of plans will be available.  Low income and working families will be eligible for subsidies to help them cover the costs.”

 

“As Congress debates whether or not to defund Obamacare, every member of our Congressional delegation should look at today’s news and carefully consider whether we should return to the days of exploding heath care costs, insurance companies denying essential coverage and working families and seniors left out in the cold. I support the President’s health care reform. Today’s news shows that the law will offer families across Illinois affordable health care.

 

Under the new law, Members of Congress, including Senator Durbin, will be required to buy their health insurance from their state’s insurance marketplace.

 

Today, Durbin also spoke on the floor of the United States Senate regarding attempts to prevent funding of the healthcare reform law by delaying consideration of a short-term spending bill to temporarily fund the government.