Rockford Sun

John M. Cabello, State Representative for Illinois' 90th District, said that Governor J.B. Pritzker's mandate-heavy approach is contributing to rising health insurance premiums while the state contends with a shortage of doctors. Cabello made this statement on the social media platform X.

"Oh sure Republicans are why Illinois premiums keep going up… even though Democrats run the show here and keep piling on mandates," said M. Cabello. "Because nothing says “affordable healthcare” like higher costs, fewer doctors, and telling families to be grateful for it."

Under Governor Pritzker's administration, Illinois is transitioning from HealthCare.gov to a state-run marketplace. Officials have warned of significant premium increases for many buyers during this transition. The state's insurance director has advised consumers to seek guidance before discontinuing their coverage. This move allows Illinois greater control over plan rules and rate oversight as open enrollment begins.

According to state data reported locally, Illinois marketplace premiums are expected to rise by an average of 28.8% year over year. Enhanced federal premium tax credits that previously assisted approximately 90% of the 550,000 enrollees are expiring, which will exacerbate the impact on many families. Regulators have indicated that restoring these credits could reduce increases by about 10 percentage points; however, rates continue to climb as open enrollment starts.

The state is also experiencing a physician shortage, leading to longer wait times and narrower networks. A federal brief for 2024 projects that Illinois will be short about 6,203 physicians overall, including 1,063 in primary care. Eighty-nine out of 102 counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas, and nearly one-third of doctors are nearing retirement age, further complicating access issues.

Cabello is a Republican member of the Illinois House representing a north-central district centered around Winnebago and Boone counties. A retired Rockford Police detective, he has been an advocate on issues related to public safety, taxes, and state spending. Cabello first joined the legislature earlier in the last decade and returned after a hiatus, drawing on his prior service in local government roles within Winnebago County and Harlem Township boards.