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Health Benefits For Immigrant Adults FAQ
- I heard that the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program is being eliminated, is this true?
- When does the HBIA program end?
- When will HBIA customers be notified of the loss of coverage?
- What healthcare coverage alternatives exist for the people who are losing their HBIA coverage?
- If I need assistance in understanding this information in a language other than English, where can I go?
- If an individual reaches age 65 before the "Program End" date of June 30, 2025, will that individual automatically be rolled over to the HBIS?
- How do undocumented adults access the federally matchable emergency services?
- I don’t know who in my family has Medicaid through the HBIA program. How can I tell?
- Will coverage for Seniors remain the same?
- Does this change impact eligibility criteria for other Medicaid eligibility groups?
- How many people are in the HBIA/S Programs?
- How much does the HBIA program cost the state?
- How much does the HBIS program cost the state?
- What happens if the Illinois General Assembly is able to restore funding to the HBIA program?
- Are you going to cut HBIS if the budget requires it?
- Are you going to reopen new enrollment into HBIS for seniors?
- If the budget allows in the future, can HFS reopen the HBIA program?
- Does this require an administrative rule change?
The Governor’s introduced Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposes the elimination of the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program, which currently serves eligible individuals aged 42 to 64, in response to State budget constraints. The Illinois General Assembly will review and vote on the state’s budget by the end of May. The Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) program, which serves eligible individuals aged 65 and over, will continue to operate.
The Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program will be ending effective July 1, 2025. The last day of medical coverage through HBIA will be June 30, 2025.
HBIA enrollees will be notified about the loss of coverage via mail no later than April 1, 2025, which is 90 days in advance of when coverage will terminate on June 30, 2025. Providing 90 days’ notice is customary for care transitions, and the HealthChoice Illinois managed care contract includes a 90-day transition of care. A final closure notice will be mailed on June 15, in advance of the July 1 coverage termination date.
It’s important to note that all affected individuals will continue to remain eligible for federally matchable emergency services. Individuals who are currently enrolled in HBIA also may continue to have access to care through hospital financial assistance programs and primary and preventative care at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and free and charitable clinics that serve uninsured and underinsured people regardless of their immigration status and ability to pay. More information and clinic locations are available online at https://www.illinoisfreeclinics.org and https://iphca.org/health-center-locator.
Undocumented noncitizens are also able to purchase private insurance directly from insurance companies.
Additional resources for newly arrived immigrants are available through the Immigrant Family Resource Program at 312-793-7120 or by visiting “Support Services for Recently Arrived Migrants” here. Support is also available through the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights’ (ICIRR) Family Support hotline at 855-435-7693.
Yes, if a current HBIA enrollee turns 65 before the final day of HBIA coverage on June 30, 2025, they will automatically be enrolled in the HBIS program, as long as they meet all of the other eligibility criteria for the program.
Emergency Medical for Noncitizens is a federally matchable Medicaid eligibility group that provides time-limited coverage for emergency services to individuals who are not eligible for other Medicaid eligibility categories solely due to their immigration status. The application pathways for Emergency Medical for Noncitizens are the same as other Medicaid coverage: online through ABE.illinois.gov, by calling the DHS ABE Call Center, or in person at a local DHS office. Hospitals may apply for coverage on behalf of a customer and Application Agents and Navigators can also support the application process.
Member services for your managed care plan can look up your membership. If you have other family members who you would like to request membership information for, they will need to be on the line to give their permission or call back themselves.
Yes, HFS’ proposed FY26 budget preserves the current level of services for seniors enrolled in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) program. Eligibility requirements for Seniors will remain the same.
No, eligibility criteria for other Medicaid eligibility groups that provide coverage regardless of citizenship or immigration status, such as coverage for children for pregnant people and the 12-month postpartum period, has not changed.
As of the most recent February 2025 report, HBIA covers a total of 32,083 individuals aged 42 to 64. HBIS covers 8,931 individuals aged 65 and over.
In FY24, HFS spent a total of $487 million to administer the HBIA program. Combined HBIA/HBIS spending in FY24 was $682 million. Through December 2024, HFS has spent a total of $279 million to administer the HBIA/HBIS during FY25.
In FY24, HFS spent a total of $195 million to administer the HBIS program. Combined HBIA/HBIS spending in FY24 was $682 million. Through December 2024, HFS has spent a total of $279 million to administer the HBIA/HBIS during FY25. HFS’ FY26 budget includes $110 million of GRF to operate the HBIS program.
While HBIA enrollees will be notified of the loss of coverage by April 1, 2025, if the ILGA is able to restore funding to the program HBIA members will remain enrolled and HFS will issue a new notice to enrollees and providers.
HFS’ proposed FY26 budget preserves the HBIS program.
HFS’ FY26 budget proposal does not include reopening enrollment into the HBIS program.
HFS cannot predict when or if that would happen.
Yes, HFS filed administrative rules on March 21, 2025, that codify these changes.