Resources

Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors: Frequently Asked Questions

Co-payments for non-emergency procedures

Many HBIS customers, whether enrolled in an MCO or not, may be charged copayments for certain non-emergency procedures and services. Your provider will tell you if you will be charged a co-pay, how much it will cost, and other details. Customers are not charged for anything considered an emergency. Learn more here .

Public charge and status information

Questions about public charge can be emailed to pifillinois@legalcouncil.org or please visit the Protecting Immigrant Families Illinois (PIF-IL) coalition’s website .

HBIS Managed Care

Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) have a 24-hour nurse helpline to answer your questions at any time of day. You should call the nurse helpline or your primary care provider for medical questions. Only go to the hospital Emergency Room if you have a medical emergency or if your provider or Helpline nurse tells you to. Your MCO can tell you what services are considered medical emergencies.

Call the MCO with any questions. MCOs must translate all materials into any language requested. MCOs must make translators available for phone so you written and verbal information in your primary language.

If you have a complaint (also called a grievance) or want to appeal a decision the MCO made about your care, you can do that within certain time periods. All of the information is on the MCO website and in the member handbook.

HFS expects MCOs and providers to treat everyone with respect and dignity in a culturally appropriate manner. If you do not feel you are getting that respect, you should file a grievance with the MCO. You can also contact ICIRR’s Family Support Network at 1-855-435-7693.