|
Dear Avisery Members,
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced that they had filed emergency rules and notice to pause enrollment in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) as of July 1, 2023. While advocates are hoping to prevent the emergency rules from being implemented, without additional changes new enrollment for HBIA will cease as of June 30, 2023. Individuals eligible for HBIA should enroll as soon as possible! Click here to enroll online.
BACKGROUND
Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults is a state funded program that provides health coverage for immigrant adults aged 42-64 who do not meet the requirements for federally funded Medicaid in Illinois. To learn more about the program click here.
On June 16th, the HFS filed emergency rules to pause enrollment into the HBIA program and to implement copays for certain services. Click here to read the full notice. The ability to file for emergency rulemaking was given to HFS by the Illinois General Assembly through SB1298. Existing HBIA enrollees will remain covered.
ACTIONS TO TAKE
To enroll in the HBIA program, individuals can apply by mail, online, or phone. Applying online through ABE or over the phone may be the quickest way to apply. Click here to apply through ABE. When applying for HBIA, it is important to indicate the correct citizenship status to be found eligible.
The Healthy Illinois campaign has provided social media posts in English and Spanish that can be used to help alert your community. Avisery will be sending out future alerts as updates and other actions steps become available.
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at avisery@ageoptions.org
| 
