H.R. 1 Roadmap: Upcoming Changes to Medicaid
In July 2025, H.R. 1 was passed and signed into federal law. This bill included unprecedented funding cuts and changes to eligibility requirements for Medicaid that could strip nearly 12 million low-income and disabled Americans of health insurance coverage by 2034, according…
303 Creative v. Elenis: Overview and Implications for LGBTQ+ Communities
Recently the Supreme Court issued a ruling in the case of 303 Creative v. Elenis, in which the Court was asked whether a website designer could refuse services for LGBTQ+ people based on religious liberty and freedom of speech. The…
Highlights from the 2023 Illinois Legislative Session
There were several important LGBTQ+ health equity and healthcare funding bills that Howard Brown and our community advocated for that passed during the 2023 Illinois General Assembly Legislative Session! While there where many legislative wins this session, there is still…
Pandemic Telehealth Flexibilities for Prescription of Testosterone Remain in Place
Recently, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced that it will be temporarily extending pandemic flexibilities for the prescription of controlled substances, including testosterone, via telehealth. Howard Brown Health commends the DEA for understanding the importance of telehealth in expanding access…
Removing Prior Authorization for Hepatitis C Treatment Will Save Lives
Prior authorization (PA) for treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) creates unnecessary burdens for providers and patients that lead to delayed access to care and worsened health outcomes. Given the high cost of HCV treatment, PA requirements in state Medicaid…
Support the New Title IX Rule Protecting Transgender, Non-Binary, and Intersex Athletes!
What is the new Title IX Proposed Rule? The Department of Education has released a proposed rule that will require and enforce protections for trans, non-binary, and intersex student athletes under Title IX. The Department of Education makes it clear…
Make sure to take these steps to avoid losing your Medicaid coverage!
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress required that states keep Medicaid recipients continuously enrolled through the end of the public health emergency. Due to the economic downturn from the pandemic and this provision that prohibited states from disenrolling people from coverage,…
Understanding Drag Bans: The Latest Legislative Attacks on Queer Communities
Recently Tennessee enacted the nation’s first “Drag Ban,” prohibiting all drag performances in public or in the presence of minors. Anyone who violates the drag ban could face misdemeanor charges punishable by a fine of $2,500 and/or up to a…
GOTV – What Are the New District Councils?
In July 2021, the Chicago City Council passed the Empowering Communities for Public Safety (ECPS) ordinance, which created a new model for police oversight, accountability, and public safety. The ECPS ordinance created District Councils to be comprised of several dozen…
What’s on Your Chicago Ballot!
Chicago is having a municipal election on February 28th! This is our opportunity to elect officials who will be responsible for making laws and regulations that affect the safety and health of all Chicagoans. Participating in municipal elections can have…
Advocate for Culturally Responsive Care in Illinois!
This legislative session, Howard Brown Health and a group of advocates and providers are supporting a legislation (SB 2427/HB 2280) that would establish cultural competency requirements as part of continuing medical education (CME) for healthcare providers. There is a strong…
Illinois Lame Duck Legislative Session 2023 Roundup
Recently, Illinois concluded its lame duck legislative session and several crucial health equity bills supported by Howard Brown Health passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly! Assault weapons ban: Protect Illinois Communities Act (HB 5471) With the increasing number…