Glenn said this shift to a block grant format wherein the state government would come up with a formula to disperse the funds throughout the state is worrisome. She said this would mean less for students in Southern Illinois.

“It will be at our disadvantage, I will tell you. It always has,” Glenn said of the redistribution of funds.

She said it is her belief that any new formula created to distribute Medicaid money would benefit areas north of Springfield.

“I would say 90 percent of the money will go to Chicago,” Glenn said.

This redistribution option was by design. In an emailed response from his staff to The Southern, U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, said while the law is not perfect, the AHCA was designed to give states more control over tax dollars.

“Congressman Shimkus believes that states and local school districts, in addition to being capable, are in fact better positioned to direct taxpayer dollars to the groups and programs that need those limited resources the most,” the response read.

In another email responding to a follow-up question, Shimkus said the recent actions by the White House and the House of Representatives are aimed at getting Medicaid back to its original purpose.