Save the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA)
Our hometown, Chicago, is a city of immigrants, including immigrants with disabilities. This morning in Springfield, the Illinois Latino Caucus will be joined by over 150 immigration and healthcare advocates in Springfield to rally to save the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program that is set to end on June 30, 2025. This is a program funded by the State of Illinois to provide healthcare to people who do not otherwise have any access to coverage. It provides essential coverage for low-income adults aged 42 to 64 who are ineligible for Medicare. HBIA is a vital long-term investment in the health of our community, and saves millions of dollars in expensive emergency room care. Learn more about HBIA at this link.
Right now, immigrant adults with disabilities are currently at risk of losing critical HBIA coverage that they desperately need as a life saving measure. Due to federal pressure and state budget issues, Illinois policymakers are trying to end HBIA on June 30. This would be catastrophic for the 33,000 people who rely on HBIA, particularly those who require acute care services such as dialysis and chemo.
Immigrant seniors could also be at risk. At the Capitol, advocates will also raise their voices to protect Healthcare for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS). We need to tell our Illinois legislators that they MUST hold the line to keep Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS, for ages 65 and up). This too, is a vital cost and life saving investment in the health of our community. Our elder immigrants with disabilities depend on access to this program to continue ongoing medical treatments as well as needed preventative care.
Help us today by contacting your Illinois elected officials to ask them to save HBIA and HBIS. You can use this easy link to send them an email. Again, Chicago is a city with many immigrants, but Illinois overall is home to people who came here from around the world—including those with disabilities. Please take action today!