Cook County Health and Hospitals Committee Meeting – April 14, 2026

The Health and Hospitals Committee of the Cook County Board convened on April 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM. The meeting began with a roll call establishing a quorum, followed by approval of the previous meeting's minutes and a deferral of a COVID-19/RSV/measles update. The primary focus was a detailed presentation on the Medicaid Impact Work Group's efforts to mitigate the effects of federal policy changes (HR 1) on Cook County residents' health coverage.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (Item 26-119): The minutes from the March 10, 2026, Health and Hospitals Committee meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. Motion by Vice Chair Naya, seconded by Commissioner Trevor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public speakers were registered for the meeting.

Discussion Items

• COVID-19, RSV, and Measles Update (Item 23-3815 – Deferred): Dr. Kieran Joshi of the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) presented an update on respiratory virus activity, noting minimal to low activity at the end of the season. A new COVID-19 variant, nicknamed "Cicada," was highlighted for its many mutations but no evidence of current immune evasion. Dr. Joshi reported that CCDPH held 22 vaccination events, administering nearly 2,000 vaccines to over 1,200 residents this season—an increase from last year. A measles case in March 2025 involved 19 contacts, with two individuals quarantined; a press release had been shared. On federal updates, Dr. Joshi noted that the Secretary of Health had replaced the 17-member CDC advisory committee with appointees lacking vaccine science backgrounds, but a federal judge later reversed the new panel's recommendations. Professional societies (AAP, AAFP, etc.) are now the trusted source for vaccine guidance. Commissioners asked about insurance coverage alignment and the impact of doctor recommendations. The item was deferred by voice vote (motion by Vice Chair Naya, seconded by Commissioner Trevor).

• Medicaid Impact Work Group (Item 23-0202 – Deferred): Dr. McKay, Kathy Chan (Director of Policy, CCH), and Alex Normington (Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, CCH) presented on the projected impacts of HR 1. Key points:

  • Starting October 1, 2026, legal immigrants (refugees, asylees, victims of domestic violence) lose Medicaid eligibility—an estimated 10,000 people statewide, with Cook County numbers unknown.
  • Starting January 2027, ACA expansion adults (at or below 138% FPL) must renew coverage twice a year and meet work requirements (80 hours/month of work, education, or volunteering).
  • During the post-COVID unwinding, administrative churn caused coverage losses; the work requirement pilot in Arkansas (2018) led 18,000 to lose coverage, 97% of whom were still eligible.
  • Cook County Health's payer mix has shifted: Medicaid dropped below 50% (as of February 2026), uninsured rose to ~25%, and charity care budgeted at $380 million for 2026 (up from $134 million in 2022). CCH now provides over 40% of all charity care in Cook County.
  • Potential 400,000 Illinoisans could lose coverage, with a $280 million negative impact on CCH's bottom line (plus $200 million/year from DSH cuts delayed to October 2027).
  • The Medicaid Impact Work Group, convened in September 2025, includes over 60 organizations (health systems, FQHCs, plans, public health, businesses, academics, community groups). Three subgroups: Communicate & Educate, Coalition Building, and Innovate & Create.
  • A new micro-site, getmedicaidfacts.com, launched April 10, 2026, with information in six languages (English, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Polish, Ukrainian) and an unbranded communications toolkit for partners.
  • Commissioners raised concerns about charity care sustainability, state-level advocacy, coordination with Illinois agencies (HFS), outreach to suburban and Southland communities, and integration of wellness and self-care strategies. Chairman Lowry suggested the Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee update the board on state and federal lobbying efforts.
  • The item was deferred by voice vote (motion by Vice Chair Naya, seconded by Commissioner Vasquez).

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of March 10, 2026, unanimously.
• Deferred item 23-3815 (COVID-19/RSV/Measles update) to remain in committee.
• Deferred item 23-0202 (Medicaid Impact Work Group) to remain in committee.
• Multiple commissioners pledged to help disseminate getmedicaidfacts.com resources and engage their networks.
• Chair Lowry noted the Providence scholarship fund application deadline is April 19, 2026, and announced the upcoming departure of Craig Williams (CCH executive) effective May 15, 2026, to become CEO of Spear Memorial Hospital in Massachusetts.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 2:20 PM.