Search

The author presents his views on the pension reform law being pushed by the state of Illinois to solve its billion dollar pension crisis. In the case, Kanerva v. Weems, the Supreme Court said that the state cannot force retirees to pay health insurance premiums. The author said lawmakers should offer voters a sensible solution to the crisis and mentioned other options available such as revamping the state's tax structure and treating pension funding like a home mortgage.

The author reflects on the need to provide help and services by Illinois public libraries regarding the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Topics discussed include the services that should be provided by libraries including providing resources to direct public, showing patrons where to find ACA and healthcare websites and assisting individuals to log onto the computers, the American Library Association conference held n June 2013 and healthcare premiums.

The article offers information on how the administration of Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner was able to minimize the impact of the move of U.S. President Donald Trump to stop paying the cost-sharing subsidies to insurers under the Affordable Care Act. Topics covered include the move of the federal government to absorb the cost of the silver plans sold to subsidized buyers on the exchange, and the proactive approach Rauner took to keep the playing field level for all insurers.

The article discusses the challenges facing Illinois residents who buy health insurance through the Obamacare exchange. Topics discussed include the withdrawal of national health insurers including Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Coventry from the Illinois exchange in 2017, premium increases and less choice in doctors and hospitals when the enrollment period for 2017 opens on November 1, 2016.

Reports that HMSHost Corp. employees are conducting strikes at several food service outlets operated by the contract specialist at O'Hare International Airport citing low wages and high health insurance premiums in the Chicago, Illinois. Stipulations regarding wages and premiums for individual health insurance of HMShost employees under the expired contract; Refusal of Henry Tamarin, president of the UNITE HERE Local 1, to admit that the grievances of workers are true; Statement of Dan Miller, lead organizer for UNITE HERE Local 1, regarding the order in the airport despite the picket of workers.