Health Benefits for Immigrants Ages 42-64

There is a new health insurance program in Illinois called “Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults” (HBIA) for non-citizens ages 42-64 who do not meet immigration status requirements for Medicaid.

You can enroll now. The program may also be able to help pay your medical bills for health care you received for up to three months prior to your enrollment date – this is called “backdated or retroactive coverage.” When you enroll, they will ask you if you have medical bills from the three months before you fill out the application.

Who is Eligible?

You may be eligible for this new program if you:

• Are 42-64 years old, AND
  • An undocumented immigrant OR
  • A green card holder or legal permanent resident in the U.S. who has had that immigration status for less than five years OR
  • Have another immigration status that makes you ineligible for traditional Medicaid; AND
• Have Income under 138% Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

How Does it Work?

The new health insurance program provides comprehensive healthcare coverage without premiums or co-payments.

Covered services include:

• 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.

Nursing facility services and home and community-based services are not covered.

What about Public Charge?

Getting healthcare services through this program will not count against you for the public charge test.

How Do I Apply?

For more information, contact:
– Office of Welcoming Centers for Refugee and Immigrant Services Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Services at 312-793-2705, or

– Immigrant Family Resource Programs website or the ICIRR Health Hotline: 815-435-7693

_If you are over age 65 and an immigrant not eligible for Medicaid, you can apply for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) program.