SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WEHT) – The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (IDHFS) has launched the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program to provide health care coverage to undocumented immigrant adults and certain legal permanent residents aged 55 to 64.
This program builds on the first-in-the-nation program Illinois launched in late 2020.
Covered services include doctor and hospital visits, lab tests, physical and occupational therapy, mental health, substance abuse disorder services, dental and vision services and prescription drugs.
“Everyone deserves to have a healthier future, and I’m so proud that in Illinois, we consider health care access and equity a top priority.” – HFS Assistant Director Jenny Aguirre.
These new services were authorized in legislation passed by the General Assembly during the spring 2021 session.
They build on the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program that has provided Medicaid-like benefits to qualifying immigrant adults aged 65 and older since December 2020.
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Theresa Eagleson said:
“Implementing more equitable health care coverage across the state is central to HFS’ mission, which means increasing access to quality health care choices for all Illinois residents, regardless of their immigration status,”
“Amid a pandemic that has disproportionately affected older adults and people of color, efforts to remove barriers and create a more equitable health care system are more important as ever … ” READ MORE.
