Puntos Clave
• Illinois eliminará el programa HBIA el 1 de julio de 2025, afectando a 33,000 inmigrantes indocumentados de 42 a 64 años.
• El fin de HBIA ahorrará entre $330 y $404 millones al estado para el año fiscal 2026.
• Los inmigrantes de 65 años o más seguirán cubiertos bajo el programa Beneficios de Salud para Inmigrantes Mayores (HBIS).
Illinois is preparing to make a big change to the way it helps some immigrants get healthcare. The state government has decided to end a special program called Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults, also known as HBIA. This program is important because it provides health insurance very similar to Medicaid for low-income immigrants between the ages of 42 and 64 who don’t have legal status in the United States 🇺🇸. The change is expected to happen on July 1, 2025, if Illinois lawmakers approve the state budget as it’s written now.
Let’s break down what this means, who’s affected, and why these decisions are happening. We’ll also explain what might come next for adults currently covered by HBIA, and what healthcare options might still be available to immigrants in Illinois.
What Is HBIA, and What’s Changing?
The HBIA program started in Illinois as a way to give healthcare coverage to a group of people who usually cannot get federal insurance because of their immigration status. These adults are in the age group between 42 and 64. Many of them cannot buy normal private insurance because it’s too expensive, and they do not qualify for Medicaid, which is usually only for citizens or legal residents. With HBIA, the state of Illinois used its own money to make sure these people could go to the doctor, get medicine, and take care of their health.
Now, Illinois says it cannot keep paying for this benefit because the state budget is too tight. The plan is to stop the program for adults on July 1, 2025. All the people covered by the HBIA plan will get a letter at least 90 days before their coverage ends, so no one should be surprised. A final letter will arrive in mid-June to make sure everyone knows the program is over at the end of the month.
However, there is one exception. The Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program, or HBIS, will not end. This program covers immigrants aged 65 and older. These seniors can keep their state health insurance, even if they don’t have legal status.
Who Will Lose Coverage When HBIA Ends?
About 33,000 adults are currently enrolled in the HBIA program. These are people aged 42 to 64 who cannot get federal Medicaid or buy private insurance. To qualify for HBIA, a person must meet an income limit. For example, a single person can only make about $18,754 a year or less.
If the budget is approved as planned by lawmakers, all of these 33,000 people will lose their insurance at the end of June 2025. That means they will no longer have help with doctor’s visits, hospital stays, medicines, or other health needs. Only immigrants who are 65 or older will stay covered in Illinois through the HBIS program.
Why Is Illinois Ending HBIA?
Illinois is facing tough financial times, with not enough money to pay for everything the government has promised. State leaders say that stopping the HBIA program will help save between $330 million and $404 million in the financial year 2026. That is a lot of money, and it will help cover other important costs for the state.
Officials say they have to make hard choices. They want to make sure there is still health coverage for the oldest adults, who may have more health problems and need more care. But because of budget limits, they say they can’t keep the program going for adults aged 42 to 64.
How Illinois Decided to Cut HBIA
The Illinois state budget is made every year by lawmakers. They look at how much money is coming in from taxes and other sources, and decide how to spend it. This year, there is a lot less money than before, and costs are going up. So, the leaders decided that only the health program for seniors could keep running. HBIA was put on the list to end in order to save money.
Before any of these changes happen, lawmakers will need to vote on the final version of the budget before the end of May. If they approve it, HBIA will stop after June 2025.
What Other Choices Do Immigrants Have After HBIA Ends?
Losing health insurance can be scary, but there are still a few places where former HBIA enrollees can get help in Illinois:
- Federally Qualified Health Centers: These clinics give care to people even if they don’t have insurance or legal status. No one is turned away because they can’t pay.
- Free and Charitable Clinics: These are operated by charities, churches, or other groups to help people who don’t have insurance.
- Hospital Financial Assistance: Hospitals must offer some help to people who cannot pay for emergency care. Even without insurance, immigrants might qualify for these programs.
- Emergency Medicaid: This is a special program that covers only emergency situations, such as car accidents or sudden, serious illness. It is not full health insurance, but it prevents the very worst situations from being ignored.
Illinois has posted information about these other options on its official website for Health Benefits for Immigrants. You can read more about it here.
Comparison with Other States
Illinois has been one of just a few states that offered this kind of health coverage using its own money. Others like California 🇺🇸 and New York 🇺🇸 have similar programs for immigrants without legal status, but even California has paused new enrollments because of money problems. These state decisions are part of a bigger picture. As reported by VisaVerge.com, rising costs and less money coming in have made it hard for several places to keep these health programs, especially after the public health emergencies of the last few years.
Research from independent groups suggests that these health programs actually help the community in several ways:
- They lower the number of people without insurance.
- They help hospitals spend less money on emergency care for people who cannot pay.
- They make it more likely that immigrants get regular care for things like diabetes or high blood pressure, instead of only going to the hospital when they are very sick.
Different Viewpoints on HBIA and Immigrant Health
Supporters of programs like HBIA say they make sense for both kindness and money reasons. They point out that immigrant families pay billions in taxes each year, but in most states, they cannot get normal health coverage. Supporters believe that programs such as the Beneficios de Salud para Adultos Inmigrantes help families and actually save the state money in the long run by stopping expensive emergencies before they start.
On the other hand, people who do not support HBIA say the costs have grown too quickly. They worry that the program might pull money away from other important needs in Illinois. With less money this year and more expenses in areas such as schools and roads, these people think that cutting HBIA is a tough but necessary step.
What Happens to Immigrant Seniors?
While the HBIA program will end, the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors, or HBIS, will continue. This means that immigrants aged 65 and older in Illinois will still get state-funded health coverage, even if they do not have legal immigration status. Like HBIA, HBIS covers everything regular Medicaid would, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medicines, and more.
You can find more information about the ongoing HBIS program on the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services website here. This program is not being cut, so seniors do not need to worry about losing their health coverage. This decision was made because sometimes older adults have more health needs and smaller incomes.
How Are HBIA Members Being Notified?
Illinois wants to make sure that all 33,000 people who rely on HBIA are fully aware of what is going on. The plan is to send out notices by mail 90 days before the coverage ends, and then a final letter will be sent about two weeks before the termination date. People are encouraged to contact their clinics, doctors, or help services if they have questions or need advice about what to do when their coverage is gone.
Timeline of Program Changes
Let’s sum up the timeline for Illinois’ health programs for immigrants:
- Before June 30, 2025: HBIA coverage remains for adults 42–64 who meet income guidelines.
- July 1, 2025: HBIA coverage ends for these adults if the state budget becomes law as currently written.
- After July 1, 2025: Only immigrant seniors (ages 65+) will have state-funded health coverage through HBIS.
- Notices: All affected people will get alerts at least 90 days in advance, with a final reminder in June 2025.
What Do the Numbers Mean for Illinois?
Illinois expects to save up to $404 million by ending the HBIA program. This is money the state can use for other important needs. But the decision will also mean that 33,000 low-income adults—many of whom have lived and worked in Illinois for years—could lose easy access to health care.
Some fear that stopping Beneficios de Salud para Adultos Inmigrantes will make it harder for people to get simple care, which might lead to more emergency room visits and higher costs for hospitals. Others are concerned about what the state’s choice means for its image as a place that welcomes immigrants and offers fair treatment for everyone.
What Should Former HBIA Members Do Next?
If you are in the 42 to 64 age group, low income, and losing HBIA coverage in Illinois, here are some steps to consider:
- Open all mail from state agencies so you do not miss important notices.
- Talk to your doctor or clinic about options for patients without insurance.
- Ask about hospital financial assistance if you need care.
- Look for programs at community clinics, health centers, or free clinics.
- Check if you qualify for Emergency Medicaid for urgent needs.
Groups that help immigrants, such as community centers and nonprofit organizations, may also have advice or support as HBIA ends.
Wider Effects and the Future
Ending the HBIA program marks the end of a special effort by Illinois to take care of adult immigrants who are often left out of normal health programs. Many are watching Illinois to see what happens next, especially since other states have made similar cuts. The choices made here could affect how other states treat their own healthcare programs for immigrants in the future.
Some experts wonder if Illinois might later decide to bring back the Beneficios de Salud para Adultos Inmigrantes if the economy improves or if new money becomes available. Until then, the state’s adult immigrants without legal status may have a tougher time getting the care they need.
Summary
Illinois has chosen to stop health coverage for undocumented immigrants ages 42–64 through the HBIA program, starting July 1, 2025. This is mostly because of budget problems. Seniors aged 65 and over will still get help through a similar program called HBIS. Around 33,000 people will lose their insurance and will have to look for other ways to get healthcare, such as clinics and hospital support. Supporters say programs like Benficios de Salud para Adultos Inmigrantes save money and help the community; opponents say the cost is too high during tough times. As the timeline gets closer, those affected should watch for notices and prepare for the changes ahead. More information can be found on the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services website. Stay informed to protect your health and your family’s well-being.
Aprende Hoy
Beneficios de Salud para Adultos Inmigrantes (HBIA) → Programa estatal de Illinois que otorga seguro sanitario a inmigrantes indocumentados de 42 a 64 años con ingresos bajos.
Medicaid → Seguro médico financiado por gobiernos federales y estatales, disponible principalmente para ciudadanos o residentes legales con bajos ingresos.
Medicaid de Emergencia → Programa limitado que cubre solo emergencias médicas mayores, accesible sin importar el estatus migratorio.
Beneficios de Salud para Inmigrantes Mayores (HBIS) → Programa estatal de Illinois que ofrece seguro a inmigrantes indocumentados de 65 años o más que cumplen requisitos de bajos ingresos.
Centros de Salud Calificados Federalmente → Clínicas comunitarias, financiadas por el gobierno federal, que atienden a todos, incluso personas sin seguro o estatus legal, ajustando el costo según ingresos.
Este Artículo en Resumen
Illinois planea terminar el programa HBIA el 1 de julio de 2025, dejando sin seguro de salud a 33,000 inmigrantes indocumentados de 42 a 64 años. Los adultos mayores seguirán cubiertos por HBIS. Quienes pierden HBIA deben buscar clínicas y asistencia hospitalaria. Es una medida causada por limitaciones presupuestarias estatales.
— Por VisaVerge.com
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