In December 2020, Illinois expanded Medicaid to provide health coverage for adult immigrants age 65 and older. Now, another expansion is offering health care benefits to low-income immigrants aged 55 to 64 starting May 1.

Dr. Yolanda Escalona, ​​medical director of Cook County Health’s Arlington Heights Clinic, said the expansion was necessary to help protect the health of a very vulnerable population.

“These are older patients who come from other countries, who really depend on their children, and many of them are afraid of being able to afford health care and do not want to be a burden on their children. So they will stay home and ignore their care,” Escalona said.

She offers examples of conditions that access to preventive care can help patients better manage.

“In our system, our patients can get prescriptions, health care, primary care, specialty care. But if they need other things apart from that, for example, durable medical equipment like home oxygen, or supplies if they have injuries or incontinence issues, these are the services they can receive with this program,” Escalona said.

Although Escalona warns that there are significant limitations to the program — home health care, rehabilitation care and long-term nursing care are not covered by this program — she said she hopes this expansion will encourage people with health problems to seek care without fear. of cost.

“Without this coverage, my patients will come in with terminal conditions, advanced issues, and if they just had the medical coverage, they wouldn’t be afraid to come in sooner,” she said. “That’s why, as a primary care provider who believes in prevention, it really helps me and my patients feel comfortable seeking that care.”

Cook County health officials in Cook County say they are also strongly advocating for lowering the age threshold for coverage further.

Those interested in applying can find more information on the IDPH website or apply in person at any Cook County Health Center.