Tag: health

HFS Medicaid Changes

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
HFS Medicaid Changes

Roughly 1 in 4 Illinoisans will be affected as a result of federal funding cuts to Medicaid. These changes will begin affecting some customers as early as October 1st. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services has provided information to keep customers informed and help them understand what they may need to do to prepare for these changes.

It is important to stay informed and understand how to navigate these upcoming changes. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has implemented the following webinars to help customers understand the new federal requirements.

For more information regarding the webinars click HERE

Previous Webinars and the recordings are listed below

HR1 Module 1:
Medicaid Overview and HR 1 Changes, Impact, and Timeline

Thursday, May 21, 2026
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central Time)
View The Recording of this Webinar

HR1 Module 2:
Non-citizen Eligibility Changes & Alternative Resources

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM (Central Time)
View the Recording of this Webinar

HR1 Module 3:
Work Requirements & Community Engagement

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM (Central Time)
Registration Link

HR1 Module 4:
Exemptions from Work Requirements

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM (Central Time)
Registration Link

HR1 Module 5:
Redeterminations and Retroactive Coverage

Thursday, August 20, 2026 
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central Time)
Registration Link

HR1 Module 6:
Common Questions and Answers Regarding Medicaid Changes

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central Time)
Registration Link

HR1 Module 7:
System Changes: How to Utilize and Assist

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM (Central Time)
Registration Link

Cambios de Medicaid de HFS

Aproximadamente uno de cada cuatro habitantes de Illinois se verá afectado por los recortes de fondos federales para Medicaid. Estos cambios comenzarán a afectar a algunos usuarios a partir del 1 de octubre. El Departamento de Atención Médica y Servicios Familiares (Department of Healthcare and Family Services) ha facilitado información para mantener a los usuarios informados y ayudarles a comprender qué medidas podrían necesitar tomar para prepararse ante estos cambios.

Es importante mantenerse informado y saber cómo afrontar los próximos cambios. El Departamento de Servicios de Salud y Familia de Illinois ha organizado los siguientes seminarios web para ayudar a los usuarios a comprender los nuevos requisitos federales.

Para más información hacer clic AQUI

Es necesario registrarse. A continuación se facilitan los enlaces para inscribirse en cada módulo del seminario web. También hay enlaces para seminarios web anteriores abajo.

Módulo 1 de HR1:
Descripción general de Medicaid y cambios, impacto y cronograma de HR1

Jueves, 21 de mayo de 2026
1:00 p. m. – 2:00 p. m. (hora central)
Ver la grabación de este seminario web

Módulo 2 de HR1:
Cambios en la elegibilidad para no ciudadanos y recursos alternativos

Martes, 23 de junio de 2026
1:30 p. m. – 2:15 p. m. (hora central)
HR 1 Módulo 2 diapositivas

HR1 Módulo 3:
Requisitos laborales y participación comunitaria

Martes, 14 de julio de 2026
1:30 p. m. – 2:30 p. m. (hora central)
Vea la grabación de este seminario web

HR 1 Módulo 3 diapositivas 

HR1 Módulo 4:
Exenciones de los requisitos laborales

Miércoles, 22 de julio de 2026
1:30 p. m. – 2:30 p. m. (hora central)
Enlace de registro

HR1 Módulo 5:
Redeterminaciones y cobertura retroactiva

Jueves, 20 de agosto de 2026
1:00 p. m. – 2:00 p. m. (hora central)
Enlace de registro

HR1 Módulo 6:
Preguntas y respuestas frecuentes sobre los cambios en Medicaid

Martes, 15 de septiembre de 2026
1:00 p. m. – 2:00 p. m. (hora central)
Enlace de registro

HR1 Módulo 7:
Cambios en el sistema: cómo utilizarlos y brindar asistencia

Miércoles, 21 de octubre de 2026
1:30 p. m. – 2:30 p. m. (hora central)
Enlace de registro

Hirschauer Reflects on the Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Overturn

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Reflects on the Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Overturn

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — On the four-year anniversary of Roe v. Wade being overturned, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, issued the following statement on the work she has done in Springfield to protect abortion and reproductive rights across the state of Illinois:

“Four years ago, the Dobbs decision marked the culmination of a long-running extremist effort to strip away reproductive freedom. By overturning nearly 50 years of constitutional protections, the Supreme Court opened the door for politicians to interfere in deeply personal medical decisions, criminalize essential healthcare, and put the health and lives of patients at risk.

“In Illinois, we have chosen a different path. We are committed to protecting the right to make personal healthcare decisions free from political interference. That commitment continued on Wednesday as the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act was signed into law—a measure I proudly advocated for and co-sponsored. This law safeguards sensitive reproductive health records, ensuring that out-of-state politicians and prosecutors cannot misuse private medical information to target patients or healthcare providers for care that is legal in Illinois.

“We also passed House Bill 3637, strengthening Illinois’ Shield Law by reinforcing protections for medication abortion and safeguarding healthcare professionals who provide lawful reproductive healthcare in our state. Together, these measures send a clear message: Illinois will not cooperate with attempts to criminalize reproductive healthcare.

“As attacks on reproductive freedom continue across the country, Illinois will remain a place where patients can access care with dignity, privacy, and confidence. I will continue fighting to protect reproductive freedom because every person deserves the right to make their own healthcare decisions—without fear, political interference, or government intrusion.”

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Firearm Safety Tax Credit Bill Advances Out of Committee

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Firearm Safety Tax Credit Bill Advances Out of Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, passed legislation out of the Revenue and Finance Committee that would incentivize the purchase of firearm safety devices including gun safes, lock boxes, or any device that is secured by a key or combination.

“The best and most effective gun violence prevention policies are based on common sense with input from responsible gun owners,” said Hirschauer. “Advancements in biometric technology allow firearm owners to prioritize the ability to secure their firearms without sacrificing quick access for reasons of self defense. We secure our phones with a fingerprint – imagine how effective this technology is for a small handgun safe in your car or bedside table.”

Hirschauer’s House Bill 1790 would create the Safe Storage Tax Credit, which would make it easier for gun owners to purchase firearm safety devices by creating a new tax credit, for up to $300 per year.

“It is on all of us to keep our families and communities safe by practicing safe gun ownership and locking all firearms in the home,” said Hirschauer. “Many gun deaths are preventable with simple and commonsense safety measures.”

House Bill 1790 is advancing to the House Floor for consideration.

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

There is only a single, consolidated Dial-a-Ride program in Kane County

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
There is only a single, consolidated Dial-a-Ride program in Kane County

The Ride in Kane program, the local Dial-a-Ride service that provides curb-to-curb transportation to seniors and people with disabilities living in Kane County, has transitioned to a new, countywide coordinated ride model.

This change makes it easier for riders to register, schedule trips, and access public transportation for all eligible residents across Kane County.

See the Ride in Kane webpage, Dial-a-Ride Services: Kane County webpage or call the Ride in Kane information line at 630-762-2600 for further information or to request service.

Solo habra un servicio de Transporte a domicilio de Kane County, un cambio local a nivel de Condado.

El programa Ride in Kane, el servicio local de transporte a domicilio que ofrece transporte de puerta a puerta a personas mayores y personas con discapacidad que viven en el condado de Kane, ha adoptado un nuevo modelo de transporte coordinado a nivel de condado.

Este cambio facilita el registro, la programación de viajes y el acceso al transporte público para todos los residentes elegibles del condado de Kane.

Consulte la página web de Ride in Kane, Servicios de Transporte a Domicilio: Condado de Kane, o llame a la línea de información de Ride in Kane al 630-762-2600 para obtener más información o solicitar el servicio.

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer-Backed Bill Defends Science, Reaffirms Support for Evidence-Based Immunizations

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer-Backed Bill Defends Science, Reaffirms Support for Evidence-Based Immunizations

CHICAGO — Working to defend public health and modern medicine against pseudoscience, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, led a new law to establish immunization guidelines and require vaccines recommended by the Illinois Department of Public Health(IDPH) to be covered by health insurance.

“Ensuring our vaccination guidelines are reviewed and set by a team of experts, doctors and scientists is critical to combat the misinformation pouring out of the current federal administration—misinformation that can rapidly impair the safety of modern medicine,” said Hirschauer. “Whether or not you personally choose to vaccinate yourself, you still have the right to factual information and resources. That’s why this new law is so important to ensure families and individuals are equipped with the tools to seek recommended vaccines for themselves or young ones.”

House Bill 767 establishes transparent, evidence-based immunization guidelines for Illinois and reaffirms the state’s commitment to defending science. To keep vaccines accessible and affordable to those who seek them, the bill will require vaccinations recommended by IDPH to be fully covered by state-regulated health insurance plans.

Additionally under the measure, experts will make up a new Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee to ensure all recommendations are rooted in science. With heightened claims from the federal government and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grossly linking vaccines to autism, House Bill 767 critically ensures that immunization recommendations are being made by medical experts to thwart sickness and diseases for unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals—not politicians out of Washington.

“By empowering the state to set its own vaccine guidelines, we’re sending a clear message to Washington that in Illinois, we care about the health and safety of our residents—and that means maintaining affordable access to the preventative medicine Illinois families and residents count on,” said Hirschauer.

House Bill 767 was signed into law Tuesday and is effective immediately, with insurance changes to be effective January 1 of next year.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
271-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Passes First-of-its-Kind Safe Gun Storage Bill

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Passes First-of-its-Kind Safe Gun Storage Bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is fighting to keep guns out of the wrong hands, protect children from accidental shootings, and track lost and stolen firearms by passing a new ‘safe storage’ bill through the House and Senate.

“We’ve heard too many tragedies involving firearms that could have easily been prevented,” said Hirschauer. “I’m pleased that we’re moving forward with this legislation where I anticipate the governor will agree with its importance. Putting a law like this in our books means we’re taking the necessary steps to address the deadly implications of firearms not being properly stored and falling into the wrong hands.”

Hirschauer passed Senate Bill 8, known as the Safe Gun Storage Act, which will enhance gun storage safety and address stolen firearm requirements with the ultimate goal to prevent access to firearms by minors, at-risk individuals, and those prohibited from possessing them. The bill would require firearm owners to secure their weapons in a locked container, rendering them inaccessible and unusable to anyone except the owner or an authorized user.

Additional provisions in House Bill 850 will tighten lost and stolen gun reporting requirements.

“Commonsense gun safety and the rights of law-abiding gun owners are not mutually exclusive —in fact they are one and the same,” said Hirschauer. “This bill codifies the storage practices that most safe gun owners do instinctively. Making these best practices universal will help save lives.”

Senate Bill 8 passed out of the Senate chamber last month. Hirschauer successfully led the measure through the House Wednesday, where it now awaits the governor’s signature for final consideration.

“Commonsense gun safety and the rights of law-abiding gun owners are not mutually exclusive —in fact they are one and the same,” said Hirschauer. “This bill codifies the storage practices that most safe gun owners do instinctively. Making these best practices universal will help save lives.”

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

DuPage Love Purse Drive now through October 31

DuPage Love Purse Drive now through October 31

October 8, 2024 – October 31, 2024 CDT

Rep Hirschauer’s office is excited to participate once again in the DuPage Legislators’ Love Purse Drive, organized by Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

(from the Love Purse site)

“It’s not just a purse”.  It’s more than that. It can sometimes hold our most precious items. Photos, makeup, nail file, ID’s, cash, pain relievers, keys, rosary, etc. We can all remember our first purse and what it represented.  Something important that we needed every time we walked out the door.  Losing it meant losing a part of you. Having to leave it behind, devastating! That’s why these purses hold so much meaning to the women they are gifted to. Each purse is filled with inspiration and intention to make each woman feel loved, valued and respected.

Throughout the month of October, Rep. Hirschauer and Sen. Villa’s offices are joining other DuPage legislators in collecting NEW purses, toiletries, and notes of inspiration for the Love Purse organization.

Please note that, per Love Purse organization rules, only NEW purses will be accepted. Gently used purses will be donated to Goodwill. Please no shaving razors.

Ideas of products to pack into your donated purse:

  • Feminine Hygiene Products
  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash (non-alcoholic)
  • Floss
  • Deodorant
  • Soap
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Hairbrush
  • Face Cloths
  • Lotion
  • Shower Slippers
  • Socks
  • Compact Mirror
  • Lip Balm
  • Nail File
  • Face Masks
  • Notepads & Pens
  • Chocolates
  • Mints

And, most importantly, a note of inspiration! As you fill the purse, remember how much each item will make the woman who receives it feel (special and loved), the excitement she will feel opening the purse and knowing that someone cared about her.

Purses and toiletries may be dropped off at these locations in the 49th District:

West Chicago Public Library District

118 W. Washington St.
West Chicago, Illinois 60185

Bartlett Community Center

700 S. Bartlett Rd.
Bartlett, Illinois 60103

Or at our office in West Chicago:

Offices of Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, State Senator Karina Villa, and State Representative Maura Hirschauer

946 Neltnor Blvd #102-104
West Chicago, IL 60185 United States + Google Map

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

State Senator Karina Villa

(630) 326-9319

View Organizer Website

FREE

Veterans Community Advisory Committee

Veterans Community Advisory Committee

December 10, 2024 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm CST

The Veterans Community Advisory Committee is a place for veterans and/or their families to share their thoughts and experiences on Illinois legislation and how it affects military veterans, their families, and communities.

Please contact office@repmaura49.com to request the zoom link.

Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

State Senator Karina Villa

(630) 326-9319

View Organizer Website

Offices of Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, State Senator Karina Villa, and State Representative Maura Hirschauer

946 Neltnor Blvd #102-104
West Chicago, IL 60185 United States + Google Map

Veterans Community Advisory Committee

Veterans Community Advisory Committee

November 12, 2024 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm CST

The Veterans Community Advisory Committee is a place for veterans and/or their families to share their thoughts and experiences on Illinois legislation and how it affects military veterans, their families, and communities.

Please contact office@repmaura49.com to request the zoom link.

Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

State Senator Karina Villa

(630) 326-9319

View Organizer Website

Offices of Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, State Senator Karina Villa, and State Representative Maura Hirschauer

946 Neltnor Blvd #102-104
West Chicago, IL 60185 United States + Google Map

Veterans Community Advisory Committee

Veterans Community Advisory Committee

October 8, 2024 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm CDT

The Veterans Community Advisory Committee is a place for veterans and/or their families to share their thoughts and experiences on Illinois legislation and how it affects military veterans, their families, and communities.

Please contact office@repmaura49.com to request the zoom link.

Free

State Representative Maura Hirschauer

331-465-9661

View Organizer Website

State Senator Karina Villa

(630) 326-9319

View Organizer Website

Offices of Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, State Senator Karina Villa, and State Representative Maura Hirschauer

946 Neltnor Blvd #102-104
West Chicago, IL 60185 United States + Google Map