Illinois Medicaid Program & Eligibility
Coverage, eligibility, and how to get Medicaid help in Illinois.
Medicaid Expansion
State Coverage
Medicaid in Illinois
IL Medicaid Eligibility
- Live in Illinois
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or a qualified immigrant
- Have a household income at or below the limit for the specific program that applies to you
Illinois Medicaid covers several groups of people:
- Children under 19 (through All Kids, which includes Medicaid and CHIP)
- Pregnant women: covers prenatal care through 12 months postpartum, and your newborn is covered through their first birthday
- Parents and caretakers: if you have a dependent child living with you
- Adults ages 19–64: under Medicaid expansion, with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Seniors and people with disabilities: adults 65 and older, people who are blind, or those living with a qualifying disability
- Working people with disabilities (through Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities)
- Former foster youth: if you had Medicaid when you aged out of foster care, you can keep your coverage until age 26 with no income limit
- People diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer (through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program)
Applying for Medicaid
Illinois has multiple ways to apply for Medicaid, so you can choose the option that works for you.
- Online: You can apply for Medicaid at ABE.illinois.gov (Application for Benefits Eligibility)
- By phone: Call Get Covered Illinois at 1-866-311-1119 to schedule help with your application
- By mail: You can download and complete the Application for Benefits Eligibility (Form IL444-2378B) and mail it to your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC)
- In person: You can also apply in person at your local FCRC
After Applying
After you apply, the state of Illinois will review your application and notify you of your eligibility.
While your application is under review: You may receive a notice in the mail from the state requesting proof of income and proof of identity or citizenship. Make sure to respond promptly so that your application can be processed without delays.
If you’re approved:
- Coverage may start right away or be retroactive, meaning Medicaid may help cover bills you've already received (up to 3 months prior to your application).
- You'll receive a member ID card in the mail. Keep it safe and bring it to all medical appointments.
- You will usually enroll in a Medicaid managed care plan.
Staying enrolled:
- Report any changes in income, household size, address, or family status as soon as possible.
- Your coverage must be renewed annually. Watch for renewal notices in the mail and respond promptly to avoid losing coverage.
Income Limits
Income limits for Medicaid in Illinois depend on your household size and what program applies to you.
What’s Covered
Doctor and Hospital Visits
Preventative Care and Screenings
Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment
Prescription Drugs
Maternity and Newborn Care
Dental and Vision Services
Long-Term Care (for eligible individuals)
Transportation Services
Need help with Medicaid
in Illinois?
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions.
Medicaid in Illinois is a public health insurance program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. In Illinois, Medicaid for children is part of a broader program known as All Kids, and the program overall is administered by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS).
If your income is too high for Medicaid, your children may still qualify for low-cost coverage through All Kids, which covers children in households above Medicaid limits. Working adults with disabilities may qualify for the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) buy-in program. If you don't qualify for any of these, you may still be able to enroll in an affordable paid plan through Get Covered Illinois.
How you apply depends on your age and situation:
- Adults under 65 typically apply online through ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility) at ABE.illinois.gov
- Seniors (65+) and people with disabilities also apply through ABE or the Department of Human Services (DHS)
Applications can also be completed and submitted by phone, by mail, or in person at a local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC).
Filling out government forms (paper or digital) can be confusing. We know the anxiety of missing important mail from the state. We built Fortuna to take the stress out of health plan coverage.
We provide your own dedicated navigator available by phone and chat to help you out!
For most people, Medicaid in Illinois has no monthly premium and very low or no out-of-pocket costs. Some services may require small copayments, but many groups (such as children and pregnant individuals) are exempt. Certain programs, like All Kids for higher-income households and HBWD, may charge a modest monthly premium.
Medicare is health insurance that generally covers people aged 65+. Medicaid covers people of all ages if you make below a certain income or face hardship based on other circumstances like disability.
Fortuna focuses on Medicaid. If you need Medicare support, we can help you enroll onto a Medicare-Medicaid program.
Yes, if Fortuna is available through our partner health plan and providers. Please contact your insurer or provider for more information.
Yes, Fortuna is only available through providers and insurers. Please contact us at info@fortunahealth.com for more information.
Ready to renew or start your coverage?
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