Press Release

Economic Security Illinois Action Highlight NEST at Subject Matter Hearing

04. 16. 2026

Physicians and parent advocates testify on proven proposal to improve birth outcomes and reduce healthcare costs

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Economic Security Illinois Action joined lawmakers, parent leaders, and medical experts today at a Senate Appropriations, Health and Human Services Committee subject matter hearing on the Newborn Equity Support Transfer (NEST) Program (HB 5238/SB 3756), a proposal to provide direct cash support to expectant and new mothers on Medicaid to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Through NEST, eligible mothers would receive $1,500 during the third trimester of pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of a baby’s life. This critical support would reach nearly 40 percent of new mothers across Illinois.

“Too many families are forced to navigate pregnancy and early parenthood under crushing financial stress, leading to worse outcomes for both moms and babies,” said Sarah Saheb, Director of Economic Security Illinois Action. “NEST trusts mothers and delivers proven support when it matters most. By investing directly in families, we can tackle the affordability crisis, improve health outcomes, and reduce costly complications that drive up Medicaid spending.”

Similarly modeled programs  have reduced preterm births, low birthweight births, and NICU admissions, while improving maternal mental health and housing stability. Financial support for new mothers has also been shown to save significant Medicaid dollars while providing families with stronger starts. 

“We know that the period surrounding pregnancy and infancy are the most critical windows in a child’s development,” said Dr. Aron Sousa, President of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. “Programs like the one proposed in this bill help stabilize families during this critical developmental period. These improvements are not just good for the individual family, they are also good for our healthcare and child welfare systems, helping prevent costly complications, and supporting healthier children from the very beginning. As a physician, educator, and someone who has seen the results of health programs like this firsthand, I strongly believe SB 3756 represents a meaningful investment in the health of Illinois families and the future of our communities.”

Advocates emphasized that NEST is especially critical in Illinois, where more than one-third of counties are considered maternal care deserts. 70% of other countries around the world give money to new mothers, making the United States an outlier among its peers.

“Nearly 20 years ago, receiving the news that I was pregnant with my third child coincided with the unexpected loss of my job at the time, which also meant losing my healthcare,” said Liliana, a parent leader with Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI). When you haven’t struggled, you misplace the value of being able to meet your basic needs. A program like NEST would have made a huge difference for me and my family then, and it would make a huge difference now as the next generation grows. I want our legislators to know that this policy matters, and families like mine need action.”