Healthcare Access Is A Human Right For All!
Updated 03-11-26
As an immigrant living in Illinois, you have certain rights when it comes to your health, regardless of your immigration status. Do not be afraid to prioritize you and your family’s health!
You have the right to seek healthcare. Illinois law limits what immigration enforcement can do in healthcare facilities, and healthcare providers have responsibilities to protect you.
What You Can Expect in a Hospital or Clinic
Patients and visitors should expect that:
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Hospitals do not ask about immigration status to provide care
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Your medical information is private
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ICE should not be in patient areas without a judge-signed warrant
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Staff should not help ICE look for patients
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You can receive care regardless of status or ability to pay
Disclaimer: The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter.
For more information about immigrant healthcare, check out our Healthcare Frequently Asked Questions. The services listed and discussed below are not considered for public charge (this means they do not affect your immigration status).
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Download fact sheets for healthcare options for immigrants and refugees here
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Find an organization that provides immigrant friendly mental health services
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If you need help accessing healthcare, call our Family Support Network hotline at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY / 1-855-435-7693. Choose your language & follow the prompts. In the final option, press 5 for healthcare.
State law requires all hospitals in Illinois to offer financial assistance to uninsured individuals who meet certain requirements. This is also called charity care. If you are uninsured, low-income, and live in Illinois, you have a right to apply for hospital financial assistance regardless of your immigration status.
Download the fact-sheet below to learn more about hospital financial assistance requirements and your rights under state law.
HB5390 Streamlining Charity Care for All Uninsured
The 2026 ICIRR Policy Platform includes advancing healthcare for all, which includes charity care policy reform. Our proposed legislation (HB5390) seeks to protect all Illinois uninsured patients by standardizing the current hospital financial assistance process by standardizing the application across hospitals and establishing a one-year approval.
HB5390 will help prevent medical debt and financial hardship, promote transparency and fairness in hospital billing, and ensure hospitals fulfill their charity care responsibilities.
Download the fact sheet below to learn more about HB5390.
The Healthcare Sanctity and Privacy Law (HB1312) is a new Illinois law that strengthens privacy and safety protections at hospital healthcare facilities. It requires hospitals in Illinois to develop policies and protocols when encountering law enforcement agents for the purpose of immigration enforcement.
Download and print a two page HB1312 fact sheet below:
Need support accessing healthcare services? Call our Family Support Hotline: 1-855-435-7693 and press option 3 for healthcare support.
As of July 1, 2025 the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program has ended. The Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) program is still open for those already enrolled, but no new applications are being accepted for HBIS.
If you were enrolled in HBIA and turned 65 years old before July 1, 2025 you should have been transitioned to HBIS. If you were not, please contact us for help at 855-435-7693.
For more information and healthcare access options, click here. | Spanish