Elizabeth M. Whitehorn Director at Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services | Official website
Elizabeth M. Whitehorn Director at Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services | Official website
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is set to commence annual redeterminations for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) programs. These eligibility verifications aim to ensure that enrollees continue to meet the program requirements. The process will be similar to that used in the traditional Medicaid program.
HFS has filed amended emergency rules to clarify eligibility criteria further. The department emphasizes its commitment to providing health coverage for those eligible individuals who meet income requirements and have no alternative coverage options.
Starting April 1, HFS will begin processing redeterminations for HBIA/HBIS enrollees. This procedure includes a notification period and a grace period due to the unwinding of the public health emergency. Coverage will cease on July 1 for those found ineligible or who fail to respond when required.
The department plans several adjustments, including closing cases for ineligible enrollees effective May 1. Legal Permanent Residents with over five years in the U.S. may transition automatically to Medicaid if they qualify, while those with less than five years will be referred to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace.
"The HBIS program provides health care coverage to eligible individuals aged 65 and older, while the HBIA program provides coverage to eligible individuals aged 42 to 64," stated HFS. The changes are necessary as part of transitioning from federal public health emergency measures initiated during COVID-19.
HFS aims to provide robust assistance throughout this transition, collaborating with the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) and deploying Get Covered Illinois resources. Individuals needing help enrolling in ACA Marketplace plans can access Navigators through various support channels provided by HFS.
The department acknowledges that HBIA and HBIS programs have significantly increased healthcare access for previously uninsured residents in Illinois. HFS remains dedicated to balancing high-quality coverage provision with fiscal sustainability.
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