Changes to two programs in Illinois that provide health insurance to undocumented immigrants and some residents of record could result in thousands of people losing their health insurance.
The state announced late last week that eligibility requirements for the Immigrant Adult and Elderly Health Benefits Program would change. Residents who have been registered for less than 5 years are not covered by insurance.
Additionally, the state’s Department of Health and Family Services (HFS) announced that annual redeterminations will begin on April 1st.
“The redetermination process ensures that enrollees remain eligible for compensation,” HFS spokesperson Jamie Manx said in an email. “When an individual loses coverage through the redetermination process, it is because the person no longer meets eligibility requirements or is required to provide answers or additional information to demonstrate continued eligibility. It’s because you don’t do it.”
The Immigrant Elderly Health Benefit began in 2020 and provides insurance to seniors age 65 and older who would be eligible for supplemental health insurance based on their income if they did not have immigration status. In 2022, the Immigrant Adult Medical Benefit will be available, and the same services will now be available to young adults aged 42 to 64.
These are Medicaid-style programs. But unlike Medicaid, which is paid for with a combination of state and federal funds, HBIA and HBIS are primarily funded by states because undocumented people are not eligible for federal coverage.
HFS estimates that 6,000 people will lose their insurance. Some of that is due to the redetermination, but currently covered documented residents, those who got their green cards less than five years ago and are not yet eligible for federal benefits, will be eligible for federal benefits in May. He will be removed from the program on the same day. We should remove these people from the program because they actually qualify for subsidies in the health insurance marketplace,” HFS Chief of Staff Dana Kelly told the Legislature on Tuesday.
The move is part of the Pritzker administration’s continued attempt to contain costs. Registration will be suspended from July 2023 for adults aged 42 to 64 and from November 2023 for seniors aged 65 and over. Copayments for many services have also been introduced. The governor’s proposed spending plan for next year allocates less money to the program than this year.
The ministry insists people who lose their insurance coverage on May 1 will receive support to help them navigate the change.
“HFS’ goal is to provide strong support during this process to meet the needs of affected customers,” HFS said in a statement. “Our ministry is cooperating closely.” [the Illinois Department of Insurance] To ensure that Get Covered Illinois resources are deployed to support individuals seeking insurance through the ACA Marketplace. ”
