SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Sen. Dick Durbin says President Donald Trump's budget plan is a devastating blow to healthcare patients and providers in Central Illinois. Durbin met with doctors and students at SIU Medicine in Springfield Friday to discuss the challenges they will face moving forward.
The SIU School of Medicine is normally a place where students from around the world come together to learn about their future careers, but many are concerned about the impact of this law.
"It means that there's less care, fewer departments open to treat people and longer drives to get critical emergency services," Durbin said. "That's the reality of the so-called Big Beautiful Bill when it comes to the future of hospitals in our state."
SIU leaders said cuts to Medicaid mean fewer options for patients and greater strain on frontline providers. Dr. Kari Schwertman said SIU's federally qualified health center network provides primary care, behavioral health, and chronic disease support for thousands of Medicaid patients. Many of her patients live in rural communities with no providers nearby.
"We need flexible, sustainable Medicaid funding to keep serving our patients where they are, in every town, and not just in major cities," Schwertman said.
The Big Beautiful Bill has also created a roadblock for aspiring doctors, as the law caps federal loans for medical students at $50,000 per year and a total limit of $200,000. This comes as most med students graduate with nearly $300,000 in debt.
"I've had many come to me and seek advice," said SIU Clinical Pediatrics Professor Dr. Haneme Idrizi. "They're fearful that they may not be able to continue their medical school education. We have students who are being accepted now who are reaching out and asking questions because there is so much uncertainty now."
Yet, Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) said the law gives rocket fuel to the United States economy, provides predictability and certainty for small businesses and delivers historic tax relief for the American people.
Durbin said he is working with Sen. Tammy Duckworth to speak with each of the Illinois hospitals losing significant federal funding due to the law. He wants to know what the hospitals envision for the future and if they can sustain care.
"I can't tell you why the Republican members voted for this measure," Durbin said. "They represent the most rural areas and their hospitals are critically important to the economy, as well as basic medical care in their communities."
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