Illinois
healthcare plan promises benefits for thousands with
HIV/AIDS

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich unveiled a health care expansion plan on Wednesday that promises benefits for thousands living with HIV/AIDS, reports the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC).

The new plan, called Illinois Covered, would cover the approximately 20,000 Illinoisans living with HIV/AIDS with a comprehensive health care.

Half of all people living with HIV in the U.S. receive no medical care whatsoever for their HIV-related medical needs, says the AFC.

"This is an historic moment," said Mark Ishaug, executive director of AFC. "Quite simply, the governor's health care expansion plan has the potential to reverse the course of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Illinois.

The Illinois General Assembly will consider the governor's health care plan over the next three months as it creates the state's fiscal year budget. If approved, early phases of Illinois Covered will be implemented later this year.

To read the full proposal, visit www.illinoiscovered.com. (The Advocate)