On May 31, 2009 the Illinois General Assembly passed a partial budget after failing to agree on an income tax increase as proposed by the Governor.  This partial budget has resulted in a budget gap of more than $8 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009.  Without any new revenues to cover the gaps, state agencies are now preparing to make massive cuts to essential state programs that individuals with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders depend on.  Examples of some of the programs slated to be cut or eliminated include:

• Medicaid, which provides crucial access to health insurance for low-income and disabled individuals;
• The Illinois Hemophilia Program, which helps pay for clotting factor products, hemophilia comprehensive care evaluations, the Medicare deductible for clotting factor, and other medical expenses not covered by health insurance;
• All Kids, which provides access to free or low-cost health insurance coverage for uninsured children and youth; and
• Illinois Cares Rx, which helps individuals with certain disabilities (including HIV/AIDS) pay prescription drugs costs.

In addition, state officials have proposed delaying reimbursement for providers that service these vulnerable programs.  (Click here to see the 50% cuts document sent out by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.)

All of these cuts will have serious consequences on access to care for people with bleeding disorders.  Specifically, losing access to these essential programs has the potential to increase medical risk, emergency room visits, and the number and duration of hospitalizations.  Moreover, these cuts will undermine the very successful model of comprehensive care that has allowed people hemophilia and other bleeding disorders to lead healthy, productive lives. 

It is critical that state lawmakers understand that such measures will NOT solve the state's budget problems. You can TAKE ACTION NOW to stop these cuts.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am one of your constituents and I am affected by a bleeding disorder. I am writing to urge you to work with your colleagues to pass a more responsible budget.

I understand that the state is facing a record budget deficit and rapidly declining revenues, but the partial budget adopted by the legislature on May 31st is just plain irresponsible. As it stands, this budget will lead to draconian cuts to programs and services that vulnerable individuals with bleedings disorders and other disabilities depend on to lead healthy, productive lives. Moreover, these cuts will be even more costly to the state as those individuals will be forced to go to emergency rooms for routine medical care.

This partial budget fails to meet the needs of Illinois' most vulnerable citizens. Thus, I urge to go back to Springfield and work your colleagues to adopt a more responsible and fiscally sound budget.

Thank you for allowing me to convey my concern and for giving them your careful consideration.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 19, 2009