215 ILCS 106/5

The General Assembly finds that, for the economic and social benefit of all citizens of the State, it is important to enable low-income children of this State, to the extent funding permits, to access health benefits coverage, especially preventive health care. The General Assembly recognizes that assistance to help families purchase health benefits for low-income children must be provided in a fair and equitable fashion and must treat all children at the same income level in a similar fashion. The State of Illinois should help low-income families transition from a health care system where government partners with families to provide health benefits to low-income children to a system where families with higher incomes eventually transition into private or employer based health plans. This Act is not intended to create an entitlement.