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Advancing its vision for healthcare equity, the State of Illinois in 2020 committed to providing medical coverage to seniors regardless of their immigration status. As part of its Mission, HFS developed this program to produce positive outcomes for our customers and foster the well-being of the Illinoisians we serve.

As a result, Illinois currently covers Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors, ages 65 and over (HBIS)

In March 2024, HFS announced a series of changes related to the eligibility requirements for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) program.

Coverage Renewals: HFS has begun conducting yearly redeterminations for HBIS enrollees, following the same process Medicaid customers go through to annually verify their continued eligibility for coverage.

You may submit your redetermination using any one of the following options:

1.    Complete the electronic version of the redetermination online in ABE Manage My Case at abe.Illinois.gov; or

2.    Complete your Medical redetermination over the phone by calling 1-800-843-6154/1-866-324-5553 TTY; or

3.    Fill out and sign the form and send it to us with any necessary verifications to:

a.    Mail to P.O. Box 19138, Springfield, IL 62763; or
b.   Fax the completed form and verifications to 1-844-736-3563; or

4.    If you want to complete your redetermination in person, call 1-800-843-6154/1-866-324-5553 TTY to find help near you or visit a Family and Community Resource Center (FCRC) closest to your home. You can find out where the nearest FCRC is by visiting this link. 

For more information about your rights and responsibilities regarding the redetermination process, you can also call the Immigrant Family Resource Program at 312-793-7120 to find a list of community service agencies serving immigrants nearest you.

The earlier we receive your redetermination, the earlier we can determine your eligibility to continue receiving medical benefits.

Once we receive your form, we will determine your eligibility and send you another notice explaining our decision.

• Resources

Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors: Frequently Asked Questions

Many HBIS customers, whether enrolled in an MCO or not, may be charged copayments for certain non-emergency procedures and services. Your provider will tell you if you will be charged a co-pay, how much it will cost, and other details. Customers are not charged for anything considered an emergency.  Learn more here.

Enrollment in a health coverage program with a Managed Care Organization, such as Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS), is not counted in the public charge test. Enrollment in these programs will not affect your immigration status and immigration application. For more information about public charge, visit the Protecting Immigrant Families Illinois website or Keep Your Benefits Illinois website. You can also call ICIRR’s Family Support Hotline in English/ Spanish/ Korean/ Polish: 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693).

Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) have a 24-hour nurse helpline to answer your questions at any time of day. You should call the nurse helpline or your primary care provider for medical questions. Only go to the hospital Emergency Room if you have a medical emergency or if your provider or Helpline nurse tells you to. Your MCO can tell you what services are considered medical emergencies.

Call the MCO with any questions. MCOs must translate all materials into any language requested. MCOs must make translators available for phone so you written and verbal information in your primary language.

If you have a complaint (also called a grievance) or want to appeal a decision the MCO made about your care, you can do that within certain time periods. All of the information is on the MCO website and in the member handbook.

HFS expects MCOs and providers to treat everyone with respect and dignity in a culturally appropriate manner. If you do not feel you are getting that respect, you should file a grievance with the MCO. You can also contact ICIRR’s Family Support Network at 1-855-435-7693.

HFS is confident that HealthChoice Illinois Managed Care will provide our HBIS customers the supports and services you need to the right care in the right place at the right time.