Legal Council for Health Justice

06/10/2026

"It was kind of a perfect storm that we knew we were going to lose a lot of people."

Legal Council for Health Justice's Stephanie Altman was recently quoted in an article examining why more than 92,000 Illinois consumers have lost or dropped Affordable Care Act coverage this year after enhanced premium tax credits expired.

When health coverage becomes less affordable, people lose access to care. That's why we continue to advocate for policies that protect affordable health insurance and strengthen access to care for all.

More than 92,000 Illinois consumers lost or dropped their Affordable Care Act health insurance in recent months following the expiration of generous tax credits.

06/05/2026

We’re excited to welcome our summer interns to Legal Council! Each year, we’re inspired by students and emerging advocates who are passionate about health justice, equity, and using their skills to support communities facing barriers to care and opportunity.

Investing in the next generation of lawyers, advocates, and changemakers is an important part of our mission. Throughout the summer, our interns will work alongside staff across the organization, gaining hands-on experience in legal advocacy, policy, outreach, and systems change. We’re thrilled to learn from them, support their growth, and help nurture the future of health justice advocacy.

06/04/2026

On June 1, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its interim final rule implementing Medicaid work requirements.

We are concerned that overly burdensome CMS rules will mean people will lose coverage not because they’re ineligible, but because of paperwork and red tape. When health coverage depends on paperwork, the people with the greatest needs often face the greatest barriers.

Legal Council plans to submit a comment to this rule by July 31, 2026, to address the impact of these rules based on our experience with our client populations and the Medicaid program, and advocate for policies that protect access to care, continuity of coverage, and health equity.

06/03/2026

On June 5 at sunset, Legal Council will join communities nationwide in gathering for candlelight vigils honoring those whose lives have been impacted or lost due to cuts to healthcare.
Date: Friday, June 5
Time: 7:30pm - Sunset
Place: Chicago AIDS Garden at the Keith Haring Statue
(3003 N Lakefront Trail, Chicago)

We hope you’ll join us in standing up for the health, dignity, and well-being of our communities. RSVP and learn additional details here: https://www.sevendaysinjune.org/

06/02/2026

🌈 Pride is a celebration — and a call to action.

At Legal Council, we believe health is a human right. That means fighting every day for affirming, equitable care for LGBTQ+ individuals — not just during Pride Month.

We work year-round to break down barriers to care, challenge discrimination, and protect the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people, especially those living with chronic illness, HIV, and disabilities.

This June, and every day, every month, we stand with our LGBTQ+ communities in the fight for justice, dignity, and health for all. 🏳️‍🌈⚖️💙

05/28/2026

The Investing in Justice Campaign is the The Chicago Bar Foundation's (CBF) annual initiative that rallies Chicago’s entire legal community around our common cause of ensuring that everyone has access to necessary legal help, not just people who can afford it. Thousands of individual lawyers and legal professionals at more than 130 Chicago-area law firms, corporate legal departments, companies, and other law-related organizations participate in the Campaign each year.

Legal Council is a proud grantee of the CBF and we appreciate all that they do to support the Chicago legal aid community. Our colleague Stephanie Altman participated a CLE presentation for the campaign kickoff at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella P.C. Thank you, CBF, and thank you to all the firms who participate in raising funds that support our community.

05/22/2026

We were honored to be recognized last night at Pro Bono Network's Celebrate Justice event. Legal Council is proud to partner with PBN in expanding access to justice and supporting communities across Illinois.

Thank you to the entire Pro Bono Network team for this recognition, and for your partnership, collaboration, and commitment to ensuring more people can access the legal support they deserve. We’re deeply grateful to be in this work together. 💙

05/14/2026

At Legal Council for Health Justice, we’re celebrating some incredible milestones among our staff! 🎉

Ruth Edwards has been with us for 20 years, and Sarah Hess celebrates 10 years with Legal Council.

These anniversaries represent deep commitment, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to advancing health justice alongside our clients and communities. We’re so grateful for the knowledge, care, humor, and heart that Ruth and Sarah bring to this work every day.

Please join us in celebrating Ruth and Sarah and the lasting impact they’ve made (and continue to make!) on Legal Council. 💙

05/08/2026

Our 3rd Annual Trivia Night was a success! Thank you to everyone who joined us for friendly competition and community. We are grateful to McDermott, Will & Schulte for hosting us, and to 2Bears Tavern Group for donating alcohol for the event. Congrats to our winning team, Justicz Denied!

04/23/2026

Last week, we were inspired by the energy and insight from the Future Outlook Conference hosted by Youth Outlook. The conference brought together educators, healthcare providers, social service professionals, and community leaders to build the knowledge and connections needed to serve LGBTQ+ youth and families during challenging times.

Our colleagues were proud to be part of a space dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ youth, sharing resources (especially IL Pride Connect!), and strengthening the networks that support young people across Illinois. 💙