The program covering participants ages 42-64 became known as Illinois Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults [HBIA], and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors [HBIS] for ages 65 and older. The former is slated for termination June 30, after Gov. JB Pritzker did not include funding for HBIA in the FY26 Illinois budget proposal that starts July 1.

State enrollment data shows 118 McLean County residents are among 33,000 Illinoisians who relied on this program for their health care. They will soon need to find other options. Advocates say it could be a life-or-death proposition for some.

The program covering participants ages 42-64 became known as&nbsp;<a href="https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/healthbenefitsforimmigrants/healthbenefitsforimmigrantadults.html" data-cms-ai="0">Illinois Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults</a>&nbsp;[HBIA], and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors [HBIS] for ages 65 and older. The former is slated for termination June 30, after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wglt.org/tags/jb-pritzker" data-cms-ai="0">Gov. JB Pritzker</a>&nbsp;did not include funding for HBIA in the FY26&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wglt.org/illinois/2025-02-19/pritzkers-55-2-billion-budget-has-no-new-taxes-cuts-health-care-for-adults-lacking-legal-status" data-cms-ai="0">Illinois budget proposal</a>&nbsp;that starts July 1.
State enrollment data shows 118 McLean County residents are among 33,000 Illinoisians who relied on this program for their health care. They will soon need to find other options. Advocates say it could be a life-or-death proposition for some.

Sound Ideas is WGLT's signature local news series. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. New episodes air throughout the day on WGLT.

Sound Ideas is WGLT's signature local news series. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. New episodes air throughout the day on WGLT.

WGLT's Sound Ideas

WGLT's Sound Ideas is our flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday. You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.

WGLT's Sound Ideas is our flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday. You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.