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 roughly 30,000 non-U.S. citizens in July is partially accurate but misleading. The Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program, which provides health coverage to eligible non-U.S. citizens aged 42 to 64, is indeed set to end on July 1, 2025. The last day of medical coverage through this program will be June 30, 2025 (Health Benefits For Immigrant Adults | HFS). However, the program is not set to end in July 2023, as the claim suggests.
Additionally, the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) program, which serves individuals aged 65 and over, will remain unchanged (Health Benefits For Immigrant Adults | HFS). This indicates that while one program is ending, another continues to provide coverage for a different demographic.
Analysis
The claim lacks clarity regarding the timeline and specifics of the program's termination. It suggests an immediate shutdown in July 2023, which is incorrect. The HBIA program is scheduled to end in 2025, not this year. This misinformation could lead to unnecessary panic among those currently enrolled in the program.
Several sources confirm the timeline for the HBIA program's end. For instance, a report from ABC7 Chicago states that the program is on track to end on July 1, 2025, due to budget constraints. Similarly, Capitol News Illinois corroborates this timeline, indicating that the decision is tied to budgetary issues and potential federal cuts.
However, the claim fails to mention that individuals losing coverage may still access primary and preventative care at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and may be eligible for emergency medical services (Health Benefits For Immigrant Adults | HFS). This context is crucial for understanding the implications of the program's termination.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that Illinois will shut down its program for roughly 30,000 non-U.S. citizens in July is misleading. While the HBIA program is indeed set to end on July 1, 2025, it is not ending in July 2023 as the claim suggests. Furthermore, the HBIS program remains intact, and alternative healthcare options will still be available to those affected by the HBIA program's closure.
