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Healthcare Access Is A Human Right For All!

Updated 02-05-24

As an immigrant living in Illinois, you have certain rights when it comes to your health, regardless of your immigration status. Do not be afraid to prioritize you and your family’s health! ​The services listed and discussed below are not considered for public charge (this means they do not affect your immigration status). 

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. ​

 

For more information about immigrant healthcare, check out our Healthcare Frequently Asked Questions. 

Healthcare Programs for Immigrant Adults

As of July 1, 2023 and November 6, 2023, new enrollment for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Seniors (HBIA and HBIS) programs has been temporarily paused until further notice, respectively.
 

UPDATE March 22, 2024: The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has proposed new changes for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Seniors (HBIA and HBIS) programs that will be effective May 1, 2024.

 

Legal Permanent Residents (people with a green card) with at least 5 years will be automatically transferred into regular Medicaid in May. No action is required from the client to transfer to Medicaid.

 

Legal Permanent Residents (people with a green card) with less than 5 years will be removed from HBIA/S on April 30, 2024. Clients will have a special enrollment period until July 31st to buy health insurance on the marketplace. Depending on their income, many clients may be able to enroll at any point during the year too. Enrolling in the marketplace does not count towards public charge.

 

Individuals that would like assistance enrolling in the marketplace can contact a navigator by: 

  • Choosing “Get Free Help” on the getcoveredillinois.gov menu 

  • Calling the ACA Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596

Transition to Managed Care Organizations 

Between January to April 2024, Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Seniors (HBIA and HBIS) program enrollees will be transitioned into Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). 

 

A MCO is a health plan or healthcare network (i.e. similar to a HMO). All of your doctors, hospitals, and providers belong to the same network and coordinate together to provide you the care you need.

 

The transition will be done in phases from January to April 2024. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will send program enrollees transition details in the mail.

What should individuals expect?

  • You will be notified of your transition into a MCO nearly 2 months before the start date of your new health plan. 

  • The notification letter will include the date by which you will have to choose your health plan and primary provider. In Illinois, there are 5 MCOs (health plan options) including: 

    • CountyCare (only for Cook county residents)

    • Aetna

    • Meridian

    • Molina 

    • BlueCrossBlueShield

Read more about the MCOs on the HealthChoice website.  

  • If you do not choose a plan, you will be auto enrolled into a MCO and assigned a doctor

  • Once enrolled, you will receive a new member ID card from your MCO that you’ll need for your healthcare services, including doctor or hospital visits.

What should individuals expect?

  • Once you are enrolled into a MCO (health plan), you will have 90 days to select a different MCO. After the 90 days, you will have to wait one year to change your MCO.

  • You can change primary doctor (within the same MCO) at any time during the year.

  • MCOs are required to make oral interpretation and written translation services available free of charge in all languages.

  • Clients may contact their MCO to request written materials in a specific language 

  • The use of health insurance through an MCO does not count towards public charge

Watch this education event to learn more!

Medicaid Redeterminations

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is sending redetermination letters to Medicaid members. This is an annual renewal process required by federal law that requires all states verify individuals enrolled in Medicaid are still eligible for a given program. Individuals that are receiving these letters include but are not limited to those enrolled in All Kids, Moms and Babies, HBIA and HBIS. Members need to complete and submit this form to show that they are still eligible for Medicaid. It's important to complete this process before coverage expires!

 

From June 2023 to May 31, 2024, Medicaid members that did not submit their redetermination by the due date will be sent a follow-up letter and given a one-month grace period. 

 

Don’t miss your letter! Make sure that your address is up-to-date. To get information about your redetermination date or to update your address, you can go online or call HFS. 

​

Online:

  • Click "Manage My Case" at abe.illinois.gov 

  • Verify your mailing address under "Contact Us" 

  • Find your due date (the "redetermination" date) in your "Benefit Details" 

  • Watch your mail and complete your renewal right away

​

By Phone:

  • Contact HFS at 1-877-805-5312 for free from 7:45am – 4:30pm (Phone lines are available in multiple languages!)

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If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you may have other options! Call our Family Support Hotline at 1-855-435-7693 for more information.

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