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Immigrants and Supporters Rally to Protect Illinois Health Care Programs
On Wednesday, dozens of immigrants and advocates gathered at the Thompson Center in Downtown Chicago. They came together to urge lawmakers in Illinois to protect and expand health care coverage for low-income immigrants. This rally happened as the state’s Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) programs face potential funding cuts amid budget negotiations.
What Are HBIA and HBIS?
The HBIA and HBIS programs were launched in 2020 and 2021. These programs provide Medicaid-like health coverage to low-income immigrants who are 42 years old and older, regardless of their immigration status. Illinois was the first state in the nation to offer such coverage to undocumented seniors, and the program has since expanded to include younger adults.
Possible Changes and Concerns
As the state grapples with budget constraints, Governor J.B. Pritzker and his administration have proposed capping enrollment and limiting benefits to control costs. Advocates warn that such measures would leave thousands of immigrants without access to critical health care.
- Programs launched in 2020 and 2021
- Offer Medicaid-like coverage to immigrants 42 and older
- Illinois was the first state to offer this coverage to undocumented seniors
- Potential funding cuts are being discussed
Personal Stories from the Rally
Speakers at the rally shared personal stories of how the health care programs have saved lives and prevented medical crises. Some described delaying care for years due to lack of insurance, only to finally receive treatment through HBIA or HBIS.
Maria Torres, a 65-year-old undocumented immigrant who receives care through the program, said, “We are not a burden. We contribute to this state and this country.” She added, “We pay taxes, we work hard, and we deserve to be healthy.”
Jose Ramirez, 54, shared, “I was able to get surgery I needed for years. Without this program, I don’t know what would have happened to me.”
Why Advocates Say These Programs Matter
Advocates argue that cutting the programs would disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities, worsen health disparities, and increase costs in the long run as untreated illnesses lead to emergency room visits.
Tania Unzueta, policy director at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, explained, “We know that preventative care saves money and saves lives. Denying people care is not only cruel, it’s fiscally irresponsible.”
What Happens Next?
The state’s immigrant health programs have enrolled more than 69,000 people since their inception. Lawmakers are expected to finalize the state budget by the end of May. Advocates are calling on them to fully fund the immigrant health programs and lift enrollment caps. They believe that everyone deserves the right to health care, no matter where they were born.
Dr. Evelyn Figueroa, a family physician who treats many immigrant patients, said, “We are here to remind our elected officials that health care is a human right, no matter where you were born. Illinois has been a leader on this issue. We can’t go backwards now.”
Key Points from the Rally
- Dozens of immigrants and supporters rallied at the Thompson Center in Downtown Chicago on Wednesday
- They want lawmakers to protect and expand health care programs for low-income immigrants
- The HBIA and HBIS programs give Medicaid-like coverage to immigrants 42 and older
- Illinois was the first state to offer this coverage to undocumented seniors
- More than 69,000 people have enrolled since the programs began
- Advocates say cuts would disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities, worsen health disparities, and increase costs in the long run
- Lawmakers are expected to decide on the budget by the end of May
As the budget deadline approaches, many in Illinois are watching to see if lawmakers will continue to support health care for immigrants or make cuts that could affect thousands of lives.