[CHICAGO, ILLINOIS] – [October 12] – Health & Medicine Policy Research Group  has been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois for its work in expanding access to health care and improving the health care workforce, and has been awarded a $15,000 grant to continue its important efforts.

This is the first time Health & Medicine has been funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and funding will be used to address strengthening the Community Health Worker model in Illinois 

 “We are proud to support Health & Medicine Policy Research Group,” said Clarita Santos, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois director of community health initiatives.  “Our mission is to promote the health and wellness of our members and our communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. By supporting organizations like Health & Medicine, we are able to reach out to the people most in need.”

Health & Medicine is one of 170 organizations to receive a grant in 2010 from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, which focuses its giving in the areas of health and wellness and human services. Additional information about preventative care and wellness promotion is available at http://www.bcbsil.com

Download this press release

Even with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, many Illinoisans will be uninsured or underinsured, making charity care an important component of the health care safety net.

The new Affordable Care Act requirements for non-profit hospitals and the IL Supreme Court’s Provena decision, make now the right time to set standards for charity care in Illinois.

The forum will examine the history of charity care in IL, the recent IL Supreme Court decision in the Provena case and possible ways to set a clear standard for charity care in Illinois.

Speakers include:

• Dave Buysse, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Illinois Attorney General
• Ralph Martire, Executive Director, Center for Tax & Budget Accountability
• Margie Schaps, Executive Director, Health & Medicine Policy Research Group
• Additional Speakers TBA

The forum will take place on November 5, 2010 from 8:30am-12:30pm (Location TBD).  To RSVP, please email Janna

Read the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability’s report on Charity Care

Health & Medicine  recently celebrated 4 exceptional individuals and 1 organization whose work embodies justice-driven public health vision and practice and recognized an Emerging Health Leader and a Young Health Activist.