Introduction to the Issue
Illinois lawmakers took another step this week to end the program offering health care coverage to Illinois residents without legal status in the United States. The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules this week gave a green light to rules that will phase out the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program on July 1. The phaseout has been expected ever since Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker released a budget outline in February that did not include money for it.
The Program and Its Impact
The program mainly serves residents between the ages of 42 and 64 who aren’t eligible for traditional health care coverage, like Medicaid, due to their legal status. It was launched as an expansion to the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program that covers people over the age of 65. As of March, there were about 31,000 people enrolled in the program.
Challenges and Controversies
Enrollment in the program was paused in July 2023 as costs quickly exceeded expectations. An audit released by Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino in February indicated the program cost the state about $1.6 billion since last summer, which far outpaced original cost estimates. This has led to concerns about the sustainability of the program and its impact on the state’s budget.
Efforts to Save the Program
But some lawmakers are quick to point out that the rules committee is just one part of the process — and hope to save the program. “The sentiment that has been expressed to (the Latino) caucus is that if we can continue to find a way to work on an appropriation and on a policy proposal that makes sense, that we still have a path forward,” said state Sen. Graciela Guzman, D-Chicago. State Rep. Norma Hernandez, D-Melrose Park, who chairs the House Latino Caucus, said she’s been in budget negotiations this week and sees a path forward — noting discussions on things like a tax on digital services, closing corporate tax loopholes and other ways to make more money she said “are not on the backs of working-class people.”
Potential Solutions
“Many members in the General Assembly have been talking about different forms of revenue that we could propose, not just to help fund this program, but other priorities that we know are needed by working-class families here in the state of Illinois,” said Guzman. Packages like that, Guzman said, would help address multiple matters that she “[knows] are needed by working-class families here in the state of Illinois” — like affordable housing, safer communities and access to after school programs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program is facing a critical juncture, with its phaseout scheduled for July 1. However, some lawmakers remain hopeful that a solution can be found to save the program, which provides essential health care coverage to thousands of Illinois residents without legal status. With ongoing budget negotiations and discussions about potential revenue streams, there is still a possibility that the program can be preserved.
FAQs
- What is the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program?
The Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program is a state-funded program that provides health care coverage to Illinois residents between the ages of 42 and 64 who are not eligible for traditional health care coverage due to their legal status. - How many people are enrolled in the program?
As of March, there were about 31,000 people enrolled in the program. - Why is the program being phased out?
The program is being phased out due to costs exceeding expectations, with an audit indicating that the program cost the state about $1.6 billion since last summer. - Are there efforts to save the program?
Yes, some lawmakers are working to find a solution to save the program, including exploring alternative revenue streams and budget proposals.
