U.S. Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. on Healthcare, the Economy and Unemployment Insurance Benefits extension

 

Last week, I – along with 271 of my House colleagues – voted to extend federal unemployment insurance benefits through November. This retroactively restores benefits to an estimated 2.5 million Americans, including 137,600 Illinoisans, who started losing their benefits as early as June 2. According to the bi-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the extension of unemployment benefits is one of the most cost-effective and fast-acting ways to stimulate the economy.

 

 

 

• A database of healthcare options, including information on public, private and community insurance plans available to you. All you have to do is enter basic information about yourself and the site will direct you to a list of care options tailored to your needs;
• Resources for Seniors on Medicare, low income individuals on Medicaid, and the low-cost health insurance coverage for children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program;
• Information for Small Business Owners on the Insurance Exchange (which will open in 2014) and the tax credits they will receive under the new legislation, helping small employers save money and provide better coverage to their employees.

For the 12,800 uninsured individuals in the 2nd Congressional District who are unable to find affordable health coverage due to a pre-existing condition, the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan will provide immediate relief, bridging the gap to 2014 when private insurers will no longer be able to use a pre-existing medical condition to deny any America coverage.

Please make sure you visit HealthCare.gov to find out what options are available to you! If you have any questions about the new health coverage or Congress’ recent extension of unemployment benefits, please contact my office at (202) 225-0773.

Sincerely,