The Healthy Illinois Campaign made history in 2020 when we passed legislation to establish healthcare coverage for low-income Illinois seniors ages 65+, regardless of immigration status. By establishing the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) program, Illinois became the first state in the country to ensure healthcare access for those shut out of federally funded Medicaid and Medicare programs.
- Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors is Medicaid-like health insurance with $0 premiums and $0 co-payments. It covers doctor and hospital care, lab tests, rehabilitative services such as physical and occupational therapy, mental health and substance use disorder services, dental and vision services, and prescription drugs.
- Access to healthcare coverage allows immigrant seniors to access lifesaving care to identify and treat illness early, receive consistent preventative care, and afford necessary medication. For many, access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage also enables them to age safely in the United States with their families instead of being forced to return to their countries of origin to receive healthcare.
- In the first 18 months of the program, more than 11,000 Illinois immigrant seniors from 59 Illinois counties have enrolled in coverage. Enrollees speak 42 different preferred languages.
Enrollment is currently paused for Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Seniors Programs. Please refer to hfs.illinois.gov for the latest information regarding program enrollment.