Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility

Illinois expands health care coverage for immigrants 42 and up


Service is provided to uninsured patients at Avicenna Communinty Health Center.{ }(CREDIT: DAVID PIERCE/WCCU) {p}{/p}
Service is provided to uninsured patients at Avicenna Communinty Health Center. (CREDIT: DAVID PIERCE/WCCU)

Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

More people living in Illinois will be receiving health care coverage.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is expanding the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program to now provide coverage to undocumented immigrant adults and certain legal permanent residents aged 42 and over.

The new medical program offers a full benefit package with $0 premiums and $0 co-payments.

Covered services include:

  • Doctor and hospital care
  • Lab tests
  • Rehabilitative services such as physical and occupational therapy
  • Home health, mental health and substance use disorder services
  • Dental and vision services
  • Prescription drugs

Building on the first-in-the-nation Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program, Illinois in March launched the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program for qualifying individuals aged 55 to 64.

The Illinois General Assembly authorized the expansion to include those aged 42 and up as part of Medicaid omnibus legislation this spring that Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law in May with the program beginning July 1, 2022.

“From day one of my administration, equity has been—and will always be—our north star,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Everyone, regardless of documentation status, deserves access to holistic healthcare coverage. I am proud to expand the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program to include more Illinoisans in need of care. We are leading the nation in health equity—and creating a healthier, happier Illinois in the process.”

Individuals are eligible for coverage through the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program if they meet these requirements:

  • They are between the ages of 42 and 64.
  • They are an Illinois resident.
  • They are either an undocumented immigrant or a legal permanent resident of the United States for less than five years.
  • Annual household income is at or below $18,754 for one person or $25,268 for two people. The income limit is equal to the ACA Adult program.

Individuals can apply for new benefits at any time using the following methods:

  • Online at www.ABE.illinois.gov
  • By calling the ABE Customer Call Center at 1-800-843-6154
  • By contacting a community service agency for assistance applying in 59 languages
  • By mail using the online paper application, or requesting a paper application through the ABE Customer Call Center.

Illinois in March launched the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program for qualifying individuals aged 55 to 64, and people 65 years old or older have been covered in through the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors since 2020.


Loading ...