Health Benefits Assistance

 

Connecting you to the health benefits you need

At Esperanza, we know that being uninsured is one of the largest barriers to quality healthcare. That is why our bilingual benefits enrollment team helps patients and non-patients apply for health programs like Medicaid, SNAP, Medicare, Marketplace insurance, and Carelink so they have one less thing to worry about when going to health appointments. Please see below for answers to frequently asked questions, and if you have any other questions or you’re ready to schedule an appointment, please call us at (773) 584-6200.

Update regarding Illinois' Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program:

In December 2020, Illinois state government implemented the Health Benefit Coverage for Immigrant Seniors, allowing non-citizens age 65 and over to apply for Medicaid-like benefits. The program was later renamed to Health Benefit Coverage for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and extended to include non-citizens age 42 and over. However, as of July 2023, this program has been paused. Redetermination is currently ongoing, and if you need to renew your HBIA, please call Esperanza at 773-584-6200 for assistance. 

 

Update regarding Medicaid Redetermination:

Medicaid redetermination was put on hold. This year, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services will mail all current active members a redetermination form to complete and send back. To keep your benefits, first ensure that your current address is on file. You can do this online or by calling Esperanza at 773-584-6200 for assistance. 

 

 

 

Frequently asked questions

 

How does it work?

  1. Call 773-584-6200 and press 2 to be connected with a Patient Benefits Navigator.
  2. You'll be asked a series of questions to determine what programs you may qualify for. If eligible, you'll be given an appointment and a list of documents to bring to your visit.
  3. At your appointment, benefits application will be completed and submitted. 

 

What kind of information will I need to provide?

When you call us, you'll be asked about your income, family size, age, and other information that will help us determine if you qualify for any programs.

 

Where will my appointment be?

Appointments take place at one of our two Esperanza’s Community Resource Center:

  •  2851 W Cermak Rd between California Avenue and Marshall Boulevard.
  •  4104 W. 63rd St.

 

How long will my appointment be?

Appointment length varies by individual and family. For each respective program, you can expect to be booked for: 

  • Medicaid/SNAP/Carelink: about 30 minutes. 
  • Medicare: about 1.5 hours.
  • Marketplace: about 1 hour.
     

I applied. What's next?

Approval wait time depends on each program.

  • Medicaid/SNAP: Please expect to wait between 45-60 days for you to receive an approval letter. 
  • Medicare and Marketplace: The timeline can vary but your Patient Benefits Navigator can give you more information at your appointment.
  • Carelink: Please expect to wait about 30 days for approval of your Carelink application.

 

How often do I need to renew?

Don't let your benefits expire! See below for information as to when you should expect to renew your benefits. 

  • Medicaid: You can expect to receive a redetermination form in the mail once a year, which you’ll need to fill out and mail back. Make sure to have your most updated address on file in order to receive your redetermination form in the mail. You can also come back to our Community Resource Center for help completing and faxing the form. 

  • Carelink: You need to reapply for Carelink every year.
  • Medicare and Marketplace: No need to reapply. If you need to update any information or have any questions, feel free to call Esperanza or visit the Community Resource Center.

 

Updated May 1, 2024