IL HB4859

Appropriates $15,000,000 total from the State Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency Fund to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for distribution to the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics.

Divides funding into two $7,500,000 appropriations: one for COVID-19 prevention, treatment, and public health services; another for grants supporting clinics assisting uninsured and underinsured populations with acute and chronic health issues.

Requires minimum 70% of all appropriated funds be directed to free and charitable clinics serving minority populations.

Establishes background rationale citing 52 Illinois clinics serving over 100,000 uninsured individuals, with 73% of patients from minority communities and clinics unable to access federal funding.

Effective date is July 1, 2022.