The Continuation of Health Insurance Coverage (CHIC) Program

The Illinois Department of Public Health offers a health insurance premium payment program to assist people with HIV/AIDS who may have had to leave their employment due to illness and have elected to receive health insurance coverage through COBRA, another group health insurance plan, or Medicare Supplemental. This special program, which may include a spouse and children on a family health insurance plan, pays a monthly health insurance premium of up to $500.

Who is eligible for CHIC?

Individuals must meet all of the following requirements:

• Diagnosed with HIV or AIDS.
• Currently live in Illinois and have a legal home address (domicile) in Illinois.
• Have COBRA or other health insurance coverage that is not payroll-deducted.
• Have income not exceeding 500 percent of the federal poverty level. To view the current income levels for 500% federal poverty level visit: http://www.idph.state.il.us/health/aids/adap.htm
• Have assets not exceeding $10,000, not including the asset value of a first home and vehicle.