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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.

Elizabeth M. Whitehorn, Director

Perinatal Report to the General Assembly

Pursuant to Public Act 93-0536 (305 ILCS 5/5 – 5.23) was passed with the aim of improving birth outcomes for over 80,000 babies whose births are covered by Illinois Medicaid every year. The new law states that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services may provide reimbursement for all prenatal and perinatal healthcare services that are provided for the purpose of preventing low birth weight infants, reducing the need for neonatal intensive care hospital services and promoting perinatal health.

Additionally, the law requires HFS to develop a plan for prenatal and perinatal healthcare for presentation to the General Assembly by January 1, 2004. HFS is required to report to the General Assembly on or before January 1, 2006, and every two years thereafter on the effectiveness of prenatal and perinatal healthcare services.

The initial report presented to the General Assembly provides a detailed analysis of perinatal healthcare provided by the Illinois Medicaid program. The report includes a large amount of data on health indicators and outcomes. It also includes detailed recommendations. The report lays the foundation for improvements in perinatal healthcare in Illinois. HFS is working to implement many of the recommendations contained in the report.Jan