Illegal immigrants in Illinois between the ages of 55 and 64 are now eligible to receive taxpayer-funded healthcare.
“The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services 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,” WSIL reports.
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.
“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,” said Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Theresa Eagleson. “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.”
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Individuals are eligible for coverage through this program if they meet these requirements:
- They are between the ages of 55-64.
- 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; $25,268 for two people. The income limit is equal to the ACA Adult program.
Following the passage of HB 4343, the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program will expand further to include eligible adults aged 42 to 54, effective July 1.
The Gateway Pundit added:
“Immigrant families face many challenges in their lives, and to know that their loved one may now have access to health care services will give families hope for a better quality of life in the state they’ve chosen as their home,” said HFS Assistant Director Jenny Aguirre. “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.”
Democrats in the state are already planning to try and expand the program to cover all illegal immigrants in the state.
“The pandemic has shown us that it is critical for everyone to have access to high-quality health care, particularly as they age,” said Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Chicago. “The Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program providing coverage to noncitizen adults aged 55 and over is a significant step toward a more equitable health care system in Illinois. I look forward to working with the administration as we build on this successful program until all immigrant adults qualify for these benefits.”
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