SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – A state-funded health care program that provides coverage to more than 30,000 noncitizens in Illinois, including many without legal immigration status, is set to be eliminated on July 1 as part of Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed budget cuts.

The program, known as Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA), covers individuals aged 42–64 who are ineligible for Medicaid due to their immigration status. It was introduced in 2021 as a complement to the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS), which covers those 65 and older. While HBIS will continue, HBIA will be phased out due to budget constraints.

On Tuesday, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) took no action on administrative rules adopted in March by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to officially end HBIA. “It’s phasing out,” said Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), cochair of JCAR. “JCAR hasn’t taken any action on it.”

The programs have far exceeded initial cost estimates, with a recent auditor general’s report placing their total cost from fiscal years 2021–2024 at over $1.6 billion — nearly all from state funds. With state revenues flattening and a projected deficit ahead, the Pritzker administration argues that difficult funding decisions were necessary.

A statement on the HBIA program’s website cites “State Fiscal Year 2026 budgetary constraints” and prioritizes continued support for noncitizens aged 65 and older.

Despite a recent $266 million upward revision in revenue projections by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, the state still faces a $471 million shortfall compared to earlier expectations. Pritzker has remained firm on the cut, noting that working-age adults in the program could obtain employer-based insurance.

Deputy Governor Andy Manar reaffirmed the administration’s stance, stating that reductions across state services were unavoidable to achieve a balanced budget.

Meanwhile, federal lawmakers are considering changes that could have an even greater impact on Illinois’ Medicaid spending. A proposed package in the U.S. House includes more frequent income verification for Medicaid recipients and reduced federal funding for states offering coverage to undocumented immigrants.