Empowering people
to thrive as they age

April 18, 2025

Avisery Alert:

HBIA Program Scheduled to End

June 30, 2025

Please be aware that the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program is currently scheduled to end on July 1st, 2025. This program offered state-funded health insurance benefits for adults aged 42-64. The Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) program for adults 65+ will remain in operation. Note that although new enrollments into HBIS remain paused, current HBIA enrollees who turn 65 before June 30, 2025 will be transitioned to the HBIS program and will maintain their coverage.

Background

Governor Prtizker’s proposed FY26 state budget included sunsetting the HBIA program as a response to fiscal constraints. To provide HBIA enrollees with a 90-day notice period that their coverage would end, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) mailed letters on April 1, 2025. HFS also issued a notice to health care providers detailing the changes and udpated the HBIA webpage with additional information and FAQs.   

Advocates continue to discuss with state legislators the need for the HBIA program to continue. In the event that the Illinois General Assembly does vote to fund HBIA in FY26, HFS will send out new notices to affected customers. 

Accessing Health Services After June 30, 2025

After June 30th, the individuals who had received coverage through HBIA may access healthcare through Federally Qualified Health Centers and other free and charitable clinics. More information and clinic locations are available online at  https://www.illinoisfreeclinics.org/ and https://www.iphca.org/health-center-locator/.  Beneficiaries in the suburbs of Cook County and northwest Chicago can also utilize Access to Care,  

Additionally, former HBIA enrollees experiencing a medical emergency will continue to be eligible for Emergency Medical Coverage for Non-Citizens. See the FAQ document on the HFS HBIA webpage for further information on accessing emergency coverage.  

Some HBIA beneficiaries with a documented noncitizen status may be eligible for Health Insurance Marketplace coverage. Beneficiaries who may be potentially eligible for marketplace coverage should receive a notice informing them on how to enroll in a Marketplace plan in mid-April.  

If you have any questions or need help counseling older adults and adults with disabilities on Medicare, Medicaid, or other health benefits programs, please reach out to Avisery at avisery@ageoptions.org or 708-628-3440.  

About Avisery

Avisery by AgeOptions provides tools and support to professionals serving older adults and people with disabilities, enabling them to help their clients access healthcare coverage that allows them to thrive as they age.