(WSIL) -- The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has launched the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program to provide health care coverage to undocumented immigrant adults and certain legal permanent residents aged 55 to 64.Â
Covered services include doctor and hospital visits, lab tests, physical and occupational therapy, mental health, substance abuse disorder services, dental and vision services, and prescription drugs.
“Implementing more equitable health care coverage across the state is central to HFSâ€� mission, which means increasing access to quality health care choices for all Illinois residents, regardless of their immigration status,â€Â�said Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Theresa Eagleson. “Amid a pandemic that has disproportionately affected older adults and people of color, efforts to remove barriers and create a more equitable health care system are more important as ever.â€�
Individuals are eligible for coverage through this program if they meet these requirements:
- They are between the ages of 55-64.
- They are either an undocumented immigrant or a legal permanent resident of the United States for less than five years.
- Annual household income is at or below $18,754 for one person; $25,268 for two people. The income limit is equal to the ACA Adult program.
Following the General Assembly’s passage of HB 4343 during the spring legislative session, the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program will expand further to include eligible adults aged 42 to 54, effective July 1.
Individuals can apply for new benefits at any time using the following methods:
- Online atÂ
- By calling the ABE Customer Call Center at 1-800-843-6154
- By contacting a for assistance applying in 59 languages
- By mail using the online , or requesting a paper application through the ABE Customer Call Center.
