Cook County is stepping up to protect access to care — no matter what happens in Washington.

Trump’s ACA Cuts Are Already Raising Costs

Doug and Shadene share how ACA changes affect their family. Watch their story →

The Trump administration’s cuts to ACA health subsidies officially took effect on December 31, 2025 — putting millions of families at risk of higher premiums and renewed uncertainty about their health care.

Families are already feeling the impact.

Doug and Shadene Butchart are among those feeling the impact firsthand. Shadene was diagnosed with ALS in 2017 and relies on insurance for ongoing care. Last year alone, their medical costs exceeded $300,000. Even small changes to coverage can have devastating consequences for families like theirs.

Medicaid Coverage Is Secure

Vikki Radford credits Medicaid with saving her life and urges residents to maintain coverage. Read more →

Even as Trump’s ACA cuts take effect, misinformation is spreading and that confusion can cause real harm.

Medicaid has not been cut. If you qualified yesterday, you are still covered today. No Medicaid changes take effect until 2027.

We are hearing from residents who mistakenly believe they’ve lost coverage or that Medicaid is ending. That is not true. We are working urgently to make sure residents have clear, accurate information so no one loses coverage unnecessarily.

Cook County Takes Action Now

While the U.S. House has passed legislation to extend ACA tax credits, the bill now sits in the Senate. Congress has yet to act. Cook County is not waiting.

We are standing up to Trump’s attacks on health care by expanding support right now:

• Expanding outreach and enrollment assistance at County health centers

• Hosting Medicaid redetermination events to help residents keep their coverage

• Convening the Cook County Health Medicaid Impact Working Group to coordinate partners and maximize resources

• Building fiscal resilience with $320 million in strategic reserves and a $65 million grant risk mitigation fund to protect County programs

• Strengthening collaborations with the University of Illinois College of Medicine and UI Health to expand care, training, and research

Delivering Real Relief

Cook County isn’t just planning — we’re delivering.

We were the first government in the nation to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to cancel medical debt. So far, we’ve forgiven nearly $800 million in medical debt for more than 600,000 residents, easing crushing financial burdens and helping families stay healthy.

Learn More →

Protecting Care, No Matter What Washington Does Next

Trump’s health care agenda creates fear, confusion, and real harm. Cook County is standing up for residents with facts, resources, and action.

No matter your income, ZIP code, or immigration status, we will keep fighting to make sure you can access the care you need.

Need help with coverage or questions about Medicaid?

Get enrollment help and learn your options: CountyCare

Find out about County health services and resources: Cook County Health

Bringing Our Shared Commitment Into a New Year of Action

We hope you’ll join us at our upcoming fundraiser as we continue supporting communities across Cook County.

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Paid for by Preckwinkle for President. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board's official website, http://elections.il.gov/, or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois. All contributions are reported to the State Board of Elections. Contributions are not accepted from employees of Cook County. Companies holding contracts with the Cook County are limited to $750.

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