Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has announced an expansion of its Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program. This initiative will now include undocumented immigrant adults and certain legal permanent residents aged 42 and over.

This expansion builds on the state's previous efforts, including the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program. Initially launched in March, the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program was available to those aged 55 to 64. The Illinois General Assembly approved the expansion to include individuals aged 42 and up as part of Medicaid omnibus legislation signed by Governor JB Pritzker in May. Eligible individuals can access services starting July 1, 2022.

Governor JB Pritzker stated, "From day one of my administration, equity has been—and will always be—our north star." He emphasized that everyone deserves healthcare coverage regardless of documentation status.

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton added, "The right to live healthy, safe and well should never be determined by documentation status."

The program covers a range of services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, lab tests, therapy sessions, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, dental and vision services, and prescription medications.

Since December 2020, the state has offered Medicaid-like benefits through the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program to qualifying individuals aged 65 and older. Theresa Eagleson from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services remarked on Illinois' leadership in providing healthcare coverage to immigrant adults: "We are striving each and every day toward making the health care system in Illinois as equitable as possible."

HFS Assistant Director Jenny Aguirre highlighted the importance of expanding healthcare access: "Expanding access to health care services for immigrant families in Illinois is a step that will make a very meaningful difference in many lives."

To qualify for this expanded coverage under the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program, individuals must be between ages 42-64; reside in Illinois; be either undocumented immigrants or legal permanent residents living in the U.S. for less than five years; have an annual household income at or below $18,754 for one person or $25,268 for two people.

Applications can be submitted online at www.ABE.illinois.gov or through other methods like calling their customer service center or contacting community service agencies offering assistance in multiple languages.