MedicaidCoverageMedium impact
New Health Benefit Coverage for Immigrant Seniors and Continued Emergency Medical Coverage for Persons Not Meeting Immigration Status
Illinois Medicaid - HFS·IL·Provider Notice
Effective date
Dec 1, 2020
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Illinois has created a new state-funded program called Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors, providing medical coverage similar to Medicaid for non-citizens age 65+ who don't meet immigration status requirements. The program covers most services except long-term care, and participants can receive backdated eligibility up to 3 months before application.
Action Required
Illinois providers should: 1) Update eligibility verification processes to identify non-citizen seniors age 65+ who may qualify for Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program, 2) Train staff on new eligibility category and application methods (online at ABE.Illinois.gov, community agencies, or 800-843-6154), 3) Continue using existing emergency medical coverage process for non-citizens of any age ineligible for Medicaid due to immigration status, 4) Contact Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 with questions.