June 29, 2023
We know that Illinois has a vision for healthcare equity. And we were incredibly proud to see Illinois become the first state in the nation to establish Medicaid-like healthcare coverage for older adults, regardless of their immigration status.
This was a huge step towards equity in healthcare access for a population that is far too often overlooked. It resulted from impressive advocacy by a broad mix of stakeholders (including several grantee partners of RRF Foundation for Aging) and demonstrated strong leadership by state officials.
So, it was alarming to learn of the emergency rulemaking announced on June 16, which will temporarily pause enrollments for uninsured immigrant adults aged 42-64, impose new copayments for those individuals and for uninsured immigrants aged 65+, and put an enrollment cap in place for the 65+ age category. A press release with details about the changes can be found here.
We are heartened to know that these changes do not affect current enrollees. Individuals currently enrolled in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) program and the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program will keep their health care coverage. Details about eligibility and coverage can be found here.
Nevertheless, we encourage state officials within the Governor’s office to continue to listen to voices from the front lines on this issue and uphold Illinois’ established position as a leader in healthcare equity. While Illinois works through the growing pains of these ground-breaking programs, the administration and all Illinoisans should be proud of the fact that enrollment is so strong and that people are getting the health care they have needed for so long. Looking at the big picture, the programs are a huge success. We urge officials within the Governor’s office to re-assess the idea of copayments, enrollment pauses, and caps so the programs’ impressive trajectories can continue.
We should work together to strengthen, not reverse, Illinois’ ground-breaking movement toward equity for all, including older immigrants. It’s time to protect our strides forward and double down on Illinois’ efforts to ensure everyone who needs healthcare coverage has access to it.
In the meantime, RRF Foundation for Aging urges those in our network who have contact with people who are eligible but still need to enroll in either HBIS or HBIA to do so now, before these changes go into effect on July 1, 2023.
Visit icirr.org/ifrp to find an organization in your area that can assist with HBIA and HBIS enrollment, or call the Family Support Network at 1-855-465-7693.
