The association also recognized the bipartisan legislative leadership behind the measures, thanking Sen. David Koehler, Rep. Camille Lilly and Rep. Anna Moeller for sponsoring the bills, along with Senate President Don Harmon, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and members of the General Assembly who worked collaboratively with the health center community to advance the legislation. IPHCA said the effort demonstrates that protecting patient access to care and promoting accountability can go hand in hand to strengthen Illinois’ healthcare system.

Illinois’ 55 community health centers serve more than 1.5 million patients annually regardless of their ability to pay, providing comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy and other essential services in urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the state.