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Is Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors Right for Me?

Have you joined Medicaid in the state of Illinois (also called HealthChoice Illinois)? The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) handles the state’s Medicaid program. First you apply for Medicaid. Once you are on Medicaid, then you can choose a health plan. For those who qualify for Medicaid, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois offers the Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) plan.

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How Do I Join?

Joining is easy. There are two ways for you to join Illinois Medicaid. Call or go online. Illinois Client Enrollment Services will send you more information. This will help you choose a health plan when you are approved.

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Online

Enroll online using a computer. Choose a health plan and primary care provider. You can also review your case information.

HFS enrollment website
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Phone

Call Illinois Client Enrollment Services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
The call is no cost to you. 
(TTY: 1-866-565-8576)

Call 1-877-912-8880

Medicaid Managed Care

As of 1/1/24, members in the HBIS program moved over from fee-for-service to Medicaid managed care.

Joining a health plan with a Managed Care Organization (MCO), such as HBIS, is not counted in the public charge test. If you join an MCO, it will not change your immigration status and immigration application. To learn more about public charge, visit:

You can also call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Family Support Hotline. This hotline is in English/Spanish/Korean/Polish. Call 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693).

 

Am I Eligible to Enroll? 

Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (Age 65+)

You may be able to join this program if you meet all 5 rules:

  1. You are 65 years old or older.
  2. You are an Illinois resident.
  3. You are:
    • A lawful permanent resident (LPR) for less than five years. This is also known as having a green card.
    • An undocumented immigrant. This includes individuals in a Temporary Protected Status.
  4. Your 2022 yearly household earnings are:
    • At or below $13,590 for an individual.
    • At or below $18,310 for a couple.
  5. You have assets below $17,500.

To learn more about applying for Medicaid, visit the HFS website .

Find out more about our HBIS plan.

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CONTACT US

Need Help?

If you have questions about your plan, we can help. To ask about what the plan covers, find a provider, change your PCP and more, just call us. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members with hearing or speech loss can call the TTY/TDD line at 711.

Call 1-877-860-2837