Healthcare Access Is A Human Right For All!
Updated 08-08-24
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! The services listed and discussed below are not considered for public charge (this means they do not affect your immigration status).
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 Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is sending redetermination letters to Medicaid members. This is an annual renewal process required by federal law that requires all states verify individuals enrolled in Medicaid are still eligible for a given program.
If you are a Medicaid member and did not return your redetermination package by May 1, 2024, you should have received a letter with an extension to submit it by August 15, 2024. It’s very important to submit your redetermination package so you don’t lose coverage.
If you do not complete it, your last day of coverage will be September 1, 2024. You will have a grace period from August 15, 2024 to November 30, 2024 to submit your redetermination package and recover your coverage as long as you are still eligible.
Contact HFS at 1-877-805-5312 for free from 7:45am – 4:30pm (Phone lines are available in multiple languages!)
If you need assistance to fill out your redetermination package or if you are no longer eligible for Medicaid and need healthcare services,call our Family Support Hotline at 1-855-435-7693.
As of July 1, 2023 and November 6, 2023, new enrollment for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Seniors (HBIA and HBIS) programs has been temporarily paused until further notice, respectively.
UPDATE March 22, 2024: The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has proposed new changes for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Seniors (HBIA and HBIS) programs that will be effective May 1, 2024.
Legal Permanent Residents (people with a green card) with at least 5 years will be automatically transferred into regular Medicaid in May. No action is required from the client to transfer to Medicaid.
Legal Permanent Residents (people with a green card) with less than 5 years will be removed from HBIA/S on April 30, 2024. Clients will have a special enrollment period until July 31st to buy health insurance on the marketplace. Depending on their income, many clients may be able to enroll at any point during the year too. Enrolling in the marketplace does not count towards public charge.
Individuals that would like assistance enrolling in the marketplace can contact a navigator by:
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Choosing “Get Free Help” on the getcoveredillinois.gov menu
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Calling the ACA Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596
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The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is sending redetermination letters to Medicaid members. This is an annual renewal process required by federal law that requires all states verify individuals enrolled in Medicaid are still eligible for a given program. Individuals that are receiving these letters include but are not limited to those enrolled in All Kids, Moms and Babies, HBIA and HBIS. Members need to complete and submit this form to show that they are still eligible for Medicaid. It's important to complete this process before coverage expires!
From June 2023 to May 31, 2024, Medicaid members that did not submit their redetermination by the due date will be sent a follow-up letter and given a one-month grace period.
Don’t miss your letter! Make sure that your address is up-to-date. To get information about your redetermination date or to update your address, you can go online or call HFS.
Online:
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Click "Manage My Case" at abe.illinois.gov
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Verify your mailing address under "Contact Us"
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Find your due date (the "redetermination" date) in your "Benefit Details"
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Watch your mail and complete your renewal right away
By Phone:
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Contact HFS at 1-877-805-5312 for free from 7:45am – 4:30pm (Phone lines are available in multiple languages!)
If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you may have other options! Call our Family Support Hotline at 1-855-435-7693 for more information.
During the 2023 legislative session, ICIRR members fought for, and WON, the passage of HB 2719, Protect Illinoisans from Unfair Medical Debt, which will prevent medical debt by requiring that uninsured community members be screened for eligibility for healthcare programs or financial assistance.
This new Illinois hospital screening law will go into full effect on July 1, 2024. Learn more about this law and how it will impact community members:
Watch this education event to learn more!
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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 7 for healthcare.