SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to ensure people enrolled in Medicaid see continuous coverage, State Senator Mike Simmons supported a newly signed law to create an automatic renewal process for qualifying individuals.

“Because of the bureaucratic re-enrollment process, many families either don’t realize they need to re-apply or simply don’t have time,” Simmons (D-Chicago) said. “This law streamlines the process, cuts red tape and ensures people have the coverage they need.”

According to the Heartland Alliance, up to 30% of people eligible for Medicaid lose coverage at renewal, with Black families being disproportionately affected. The law will remove the administrative hurdles Medicaid recipients face.

Under current law, individuals receiving Medicaid benefits must report changes in income during the 12 months following their approval or last redetermination. House Bill 4343 will remove this reporting requirement during that time, allowing for continuity of coverage for those whose work hours and income aren’t consistent each month. The legislation will also automatically re-enroll individuals with zero income.

The legislation also requires the Department of Human and Family Services to provide information on how to request a hardship waiver in Spanish and a number of other languages.

“Our city has a wealth of diversity,” Simmons said. “It only be fair that we increase access to benefits so people don’t miss out on coverage simply because English isn’t there first language.”

House Bill 4343 was signed into law took immediate effect.