E-Newsletter: Faces of the Unemployed & ACA Special Enrollment

Statement

Faces of the Unemployed

As May came to a close more than 2.9 million unemployed Americans, including 153,400 Illinoisans, have lost their unemployment insurance benefits even though they still can't find a job. Failing to renew unemployment insurance has already costs our state economy $300 million, and it has cost the American economy more than $5 billion!

I have consistently stood up for the unemployed, I am a co-sponsor on the Senate-passed Renew UI Bill and I have signed what is called a "discharge petition," to try to make sure we get a vote on it in the House this year. If 218 members of the House of Representatives sign the petition, we are guaranteed a vote. So far 193 members have signed the Renew UI petition. A majority of Americans families support renewing UI. I believe most of us feel this way because we have either been unemployed ourselves or know someone who has. However, the House has not brought Renew UI to a vote yet.

And that is why I need your help. We have launched the Faces of the Unemployed project. Here's how it works. You can click here to share how unemployment has impacted your life or the lives of people you know. I will gather your stories, and with your permission, share them with my Congressional colleagues and the greater public. Too many families are struggling. We have to keep up the fight to Renew UI. Your voice can make the difference, please click here to share your story.

ACA Enrollment Still Open to Some

As you probably know the general open enrollment period for private health plans under the Affordable Care Act has closed, but you may still be eligible to apply through special enrollment. If you have had a Qualifying Life Event, like moving to a new state, certain changes in your income, or changes in your family size including marriage, divorce, or childbirth you can enroll today. Also, if you had complex issues that kept you from enrolling before the March 31 deadline you may still be able to enroll. These issues include delayed Medicaid denials, system errors related to immigration status, domestic abuse, misinformation and other enrollment errors. Individuals eligible for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can enroll any time during the year. For more information please visit, GetCoveredIllinois.gov today!

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