SPRINGFIELD — The Healthy Illinois Campaign expresses disappointment in the Illinois General Assembly’s decision to completely eliminate funding for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program, or HBIA, ending health care coverage for 33,000 Illinois taxpayers.
HBIA provided state-funded health care for low-income immigrant adults ages 42 to 64 who are ineligible for Medicaid due to immigration status. Most are longtime Illinois residents who pay taxes, work essential jobs and raise families in communities across the state. With the program’s elimination, they lose access to basic preventive care and treatment for chronic conditions.
Removing coverage leads to preventable emergencies and rising costs
Eliminating health care coverage for more than 33,000 low-income immigrant adults will not stop medical conditions from developing. It will delay treatment until more advanced and costly interventions are required. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer are more likely to go undiagnosed or unmanaged, increasing strain on emergency rooms and public hospitals.
HBIA helped control costs and reduce hospital debt
A University of Chicago study warned that ending HBIA would overwhelm emergency services and place added pressure on safety-net providers already under financial strain. Funding included in the FY26 budget for those providers does not fully offset the expected impact.
The program was closed to new enrollment, with 96% of participants in managed care. FY26 estimates showed it would have accounted for just 0.07% of the state’s health care budget. The University of Chicago study found HBIA and its companion program for seniors were associated with a 15% reduction in hospital bad debt, translating to $1.5 million in annual savings per hospital in high-enrollment counties. Cook County Health anticipates a $110 million shortfall due to the program’s elimination.
Budget balanced on the backs of immigrants
This year’s budget may be described as balanced, but that balance came in part through the elimination of health care for thousands of immigrant Illinoisans. These residents who contribute to the state’s economy and public revenue now face the loss of care at the same time federal Medicaid protections remain uncertain. The result is a dual burden on communities already navigating the greatest barriers to care.
Thanks to legislators who supported HBIA & we will remember those who didn’t support us
The Healthy Illinois Campaign thanks the legislators who worked to preserve HBIA throughout the budget process. We also acknowledge the health care providers, researchers, advocates and community leaders who supported the program. Their continued commitment to health care access will remain essential as the state considers next steps. And, we will remember those who chose to succumb to the national narrative.
Next steps as special session approaches
A special session is expected later this summer to address fiscal impacts of the federal budget. The Healthy Illinois Campaign urges lawmakers to revisit the elimination of HBIA. We are committed to keeping our legislators accountable to maintaining the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults for seniors aged 65+, and will continue our fight for health care for all Illinoisans.