By: Ashmar Mandou

Some patients will soon have to meet new criteria to be eligible for Medicaid under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and medical experts are urging patients to go over their plan to avoid losing coverage. “The time to look over your plan is now and for those who have yet to apply for Medicaid should do so now,” said Chief Medical Officer for CountyCare Dr. Audrey Tanksley. “We know these changes can be overwhelming and confusing, but much like we did when the SNAP benefits rolled out, we are traveling to various communities across the county and arming residents with as much information as possible.” Among the changes, immigration status. Beginning October 1st, federal policy changes will restrict certain immigrant groups from fully accessing Medicaid benefits. Some noncitizens will no longer qualify for federally funded Medicaid, however qualifying groups to Medicaid include:

Naturalized Citizens
Born in the U.S., or became a citizen

Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder)
If subject to the 5-year bar (wait period), must have met the 5-year bar OR are exempt from the 5-year bar (such as adjusting to LPR from a refugee or asylee status).

Cuban or Haitian Entrant
Only if you entered under a specific humanitarian program

Pregnant
Pregnant individuals are covered under other Medicaid regardless of immigrant status.

Under 19 Years Old
Children are covered under “All Kids” regardless of immigrant status

“If residents have questions about their immigration status and want to know if they qualify or need help applying before the October deadline we at CountyCare are here to help,” said Dr. Tanksley. CountyCare is Cook County’s largest Medicaid health plan, available exclusively to HealthChoice Illinois enrollees who live in Cook County. Throughout the month of August, CountyCare is hosting several informational sessions to help residents navigate the new Medicaid changes. A few include:

CountyCare Redetermination Event
Chicago Family Health Center
9119 S. Exchange Avenue
Chicago, IL 60617
August 14th at 10a.m.

CountyCare Redetermination Event
Esperanza Health Center
4700 S. California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
August 18th at 10a.m.

CountyCare Redetermination Event
Lawndale Christian Health Center
3750 W. Ogden Avenue
Chicago, IL 60623
August 25th at 9a.m.

According to the Latino Policy and Politics Institute, Latinos represent a large share of Medicaid recipients in the state of Illinois, particularly among low-income households and nearly 65 percent of Latino children are covered. Latino communities in Illinois rely heavily on Medicaid, with nearly one-third of Latino residents enrolled, according to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Dr. Tanksley urges residents to attend a CountyCare Redetermination event to have their questions answered. For a full list of CountyCare redetermination events, visit getmedicaidfacts.com/upcoming-events/

CountyCare will also be hosting a series of Facebook Lives this month to help answer questions about Medicaid eligibility changes. The next panel discussion will be held in Spanish on this Friday, Aug. 14 at 12 p.m. You can find CountyCare at facebook.com/CCHHSCountyCare

For additional information on upcoming changes to Medicaid, visit getmedicaidfacts.com or visit cookcountyhealth.org or call the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services at 877-805-5312 for general questions.