August 21, 2025

Champaign County Health Care Consumers (CCHCC) is preparing for a busy fall. We will be hosting a community meeting to help explain the provisions of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, which included massive spending cuts to healthcare and food programs, among other programs that people rely on.

Additionally, we are also preparing for Open Enrollment for both Medicare and the Marketplace, so we will be holding meetings on those topics and explaining any changes to these programs for 2026.

All events listed below will be held at the Champaign Public Library at 200 W. Green Street, in Champaign. 

Please mark your calendars and save these dates:

Community Meeting on OBBA – Thursday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Champaign Public Library. This meeting will be open to the public. The purpose of the meeting will be to provide information about the budget bill passed by the Senate and the House, and signed into law on July 4, 2025. This budget bill slashes funding to many important health, food, and housing programs. We will provide information about the cuts to vital programs, why the cuts were made, when those cuts are expected to take effect, how they will impact our community, and what our community can do to mitigate the harmful impacts of these budget cuts.

Medicare Open Enrollment Meeting – Wednesday, October 15 at 10 a.m. at the Champaign Public Library. This meeting will be open to anyone who has Medicare or who will soon be eligible to start receiving Medicare. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and to schedule appointments with specialists to help them through the Open Enrollment process so they can choose an appropriate Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for themselves or their loved one.

Please note that Medicare Open Enrollment takes place from October 15 through December 7 for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for 2026.

Marketplace Open Enrollment Meeting – Wednesday, October 29 at 7 p.m. at the Champaign Public Library. This meeting will be open to anyone who is seeking health insurance through the Marketplace or Medicaid. The State of Illinois will be operating its own Marketplace starting this fall, rather than continuing the partnership with the federal government for use of their Marketplace. We will explain the Open Enrollment process, options for financial assistance, and the difference between Marketplace and Medicaid plans.

Please note that Marketplace Open Enrollment takes place from November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. Individuals experiencing major life changes, like a marriage or divorce, change in employment, birth of a child, etc. might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and can enroll in a Marketplace plan outside of the Open Enrollment period. Medicaid enrollment is available year-round.

Please help spread the word to publicize these events!

SUPPORT CCHCC!

Sincerely,
Champaign County Health Care Consumers