CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, D, says $27 million in federal funds will be distributed to 44 community organizations that will help educate the public and push enrollment in the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace.
Setting up the marketplace, or exchange, is a requirement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). PPACA requires that nearly all Americans have health insurance beginning in 2014 or pay a penalty. Enrollment in the marketplace begins Oct. 1.
Quinn on Wednesday said the groups involved in enrolling the public are "proven organizations" that have joined a movement to get the word out about health insurance options.