In December 2020, the state of Illinois created a program to expand health insurance coverage to low-income immigrant seniors, the program is similar to Medicaid and is called Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors. This program is free and has no premiums or copays.
Who qualifies for this program?
- Residents of Illinois age 65 or older, or who are under 65 and blind or disabled
- Those who are not eligible for health benefits through another program
- Those who are not US citizens
- And those who have a household income at or below 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) with resources below $2000 (for an individual) or $3000 (for a couple)*
How do you apply?
You can apply for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program online at www.ABE.illinois.gov [1], by calling the ABE Customer Call Center at 1-800-843-6154, or by mail using either the online Paper Application or a requested paper application (request by calling the same ABE number above). The Department of Human Services (DHS) processes the applications.
Documentation requirements will vary case-by-case, but the following documents are required for virtually all applicants: proof of IL residency, proof of income from all sources in the past month, and proof of assets.*
*Note: There is no resource limit during the COVID-19 pandemic
Videos
Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors Explainer [2]
Beneficios para inmigrantes mayores video explicativo [3]
Resource Guide