Fact Check: "Illinois will also shut down its program for roughly 30,000 non-U. S. citizens in July."
What We Know
The claim that Illinois will shut down its program for approximately 30,000 non-U.S. citizens is accurate. The Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program, which provides health coverage to eligible individuals aged 42 to 64, is set to end on July 1, 2025. This decision is primarily driven by budgetary constraints faced by the state government (HFS). The program was part of a broader initiative that aimed to provide health care access to undocumented immigrants, but due to fiscal challenges, the state has decided to prioritize funding for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) program, which serves individuals aged 65 and older (AP News).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from multiple reliable sources. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has officially announced the termination of the HBIA program, confirming that the last day of medical coverage will be June 30, 2025 (HFS). This aligns with reports from news outlets such as ABC7 Chicago and Capitol News Illinois, which have noted that the state is on track to end health coverage for low-income immigrant adults amid budget concerns (ABC7 Chicago, Capitol News Illinois).
The sources used in this analysis are credible and provide consistent information regarding the program's termination. The HFS is a government entity responsible for healthcare services in Illinois, making it a primary source of information on this matter. Additionally, news reports from established outlets like the Associated Press and ABC7 Chicago further corroborate the information, although it is essential to note that news outlets may have varying degrees of editorial bias.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Illinois will shut down its program for roughly 30,000 non-U.S. citizens in July is substantiated by official announcements and multiple reliable news sources. The decision to end the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program is a result of budgetary constraints and reflects the state's prioritization of funding for other programs.
Sources
- Health Benefits For Immigrant Adults | HFS
- Gov. Pritzker Proposes Transformative, Generational ...
- Illinois mulls ending a health program for some immigrants living in ...
- Illinois on track to end adults immigrants health coverage program ...
- State on track to end health coverage program for ...
- State to end health coverage program for immigrant adults