On July 17, 2013, Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck announced over $27 million in federal grant awards to 44 organizations through IDPH’s Affordable Care Act In-Person Counselor Grant Program. The organizations and their sub-grantees have been using the funding to hire employees as In-Person Counselors to assist Illinois residents with applying for the new coverage programs made available under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The list of organizations getting millions from the federal government grant include public sector union locals, as well as immigrant- and LGBT-focused groups hand-picked by Governor Quinn. The AIDS Foundation of Chicago is to get $650,000.00, the Chicago Federation of Labor Workers is to get $250,000.00, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights lists to get $1,250,000.00 and SEIU Local 4 is to receive $710,000.00.
In-Person Counselors (IPCs) are to provide information and assistance to individuals, families, and small businesses seeking to enroll in new health coverage options and affordability programs made available through the ACA. IPCs will answer basic questions about health insurance and guide Illinois residents through the application process for Qualified Health Plans offered by private insurers through the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace, tax credits and cost-sharing reductions that will help make those plans affordable to eligible Illinois residents, and the expanded Medicaid program.
The requirements for background checks for the applicants is not listed, and attorneys generals in 17 other states have filed complaints with the Department of Health and Human Services as to the lack of security required to be hired as health care process guides. In addition, small business owners may feel awkward sharing tax information and personal health care records with union members hired by public sector unions to assist in finding health care options.
The Illinois In-Person Counselor Grant Program list is online HERE. The list says the final award amount is subject to change.
