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Enrollment in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program will be temporarily paused effective July 1, 2023.

Enrollment in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) program will be temporarily paused effective Nov. 6, 2023.

Due to repairs causing planned power outages in the area, the Joliet Regional Office located in the Bays Professional Center Building, will be closed to the public on Monday, May 6th.  The building is expected to reopen on Tuesday, May 7th.

HBIA/HBIS Transition to Marketplace Toolkit Messaging

MAIN MESSAGES

Eligibility changes for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors programs are taking effect in 2024. Effective May 1, Legal Permanent Residents (green card holders) are no longer eligible for coverage through the HBIA and HBIS programs.

However, other subsidized health insurance options may be available to these individuals. Affected individuals may now be eligible for medical coverage with financial help through an ACA Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period on www.healthcare.gov.

Individuals must take action to apply, by:

  • Visiting www.healthcare.gov to apply immediately.
  • For help with the health insurance application, visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov and click Get Free Help to find assisters in your zip code who can help for free in person or over the phone.

The information provided while applying for an ACA Marketplace plan may be used only for the operations of that program — not for immigration enforcement purposes. Government workers, enrollment assisters, and people who help with insurance applications are required by law to keep information private and secure. Enrolling in an ACA Marketplace plan with financial help will not make someone a public charge. 

Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) are changing.

If your Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder) status in the United States began less than five years old, you are no longer eligible for HBIA and HBIS programs beginning May 1, 2024. However, other subsidized health insurance coverage options may be available to you.

What does this mean for me?

  • Your last day of medical coverage through HBIA or HBIS will be April 30, 2024.
  • You may now be eligible for medical coverage with financial help through an ACA Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period on www.healthcare.gov.

What do you need to do now?

  • We have referred your application to the Health Insurance Marketplace, but you must take action to apply.
  • Please visit www.healthcare.gov to apply immediately.
  • If you need help with your health insurance application, please visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov and click Get Free Help to find assisters in your zip code who can help you for free in person or over the phone.

The information you provide while applying for an ACA Marketplace plan may be used only for the operations of that program—not for immigration enforcement purposes. Government workers, enrollment assisters, and people who help with insurance applications are required by law to keep information private and secure. 

Enrolling in an ACA Marketplace plan with financial help will not make you a public charge. 

Rights and Responsibilities

If you do not agree with this decision, you have the right to talk with a caseworker by calling 1-877-805-5312 to ask about the reason for denial. Present the caseworker with any additional information you have.

PALM CARD:

Effective May 1, 2024, Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) programs are changing. If your Lawful Permanent Resident status in the United States began less than five years ago, you'll no longer be eligible for HBIA and HBIS.

What Does This Mean for You?

Your medical coverage through HBIA or HBIS will end on April 30, 2024. You may now qualify for medical coverage with financial help through an ACA Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period at www.healthcare.gov.

Action Required:

We've referred your application to the Health Insurance Marketplace, but you must take action to apply. Visit www.healthcare.gov immediately to apply for coverage with financial help.

Need Assistance?

If you need help with your health insurance application, find free assisters in your zip code at GetCoveredIllinois.gov.

The information you provide during your ACA Marketplace plan application will only be used for program operations, not for immigration enforcement purposes. Your information will be kept private and secure by law. Enrolling with financial help will not make you a public charge.

If you disagree with this decision, you have the right to speak with a caseworker. Call 1-877-805-5312 to inquire about the reason for denial and provide any additional information you have.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Choice 1:

If you received your green card less than five years ago, please note that starting May 1, 2024, you will no longer qualify for Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors.

However, don't worry! You may now be eligible for medical coverage through an ACA Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period at www.healthcare.gov. Take advantage of this opportunity to ensure you have the healthcare coverage you need. Act now and explore your options at www.healthcare.gov.

Get free help with your application from a local assister. Go to GetCoveredIllinois.gov and click Get Free Help.

Choice 2:

Important Update: If you became a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder) in the United States within the last five years, changes are coming regarding your health benefits.

Starting May 1, 2024, you won't be eligible for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors programs. But don't worry, you might qualify for medical coverage through an ACA Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period at www.healthcare.gov. Take advantage of this opportunity to secure your health coverage.

Choice 3:

If you've obtained your Lawful Permanent Resident status in the United States within the last five years, there's an important update regarding your health benefits. Starting May 1, 2024, you won't be eligible for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors programs.

But don't worry! You may qualify for medical coverage through an ACA Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period at www.healthcare.gov. Take advantage of this opportunity to ensure you have the healthcare coverage you need.