Figuring out if you qualify for Medicaid in Illinois can feel overwhelming. The income limits, eligibility categories, and application process seem complicated at first glance.
Here's the straightforward answer: If you're an adult in Illinois earning less than $1,732 per month (about $20,783 per year), you likely qualify for Medicaid. For a family of four, the income limit rises to about $3,697 per month or $44,367 per year. Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014, which means more adults qualify than in states that haven't expanded coverage.
Illinois Medicaid provides comprehensive health coverage including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, dental, and vision. For qualifying individuals and families, this represents $8,000 to $12,000 per year in healthcare value at little to no cost.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Illinois Medicaid and is not legal or financial advice. Eligibility rules can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services before applying.
This guide walks you through the 2026 income limits, who qualifies, how to apply through the ABE portal, and what benefits you'll receive once enrolled.
Illinois offers some of the most generous children's coverage in the nation through the All Kids program. Children from birth to age 18 can qualify with family income up to 318% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of four, that means children can qualify with household income up to approximately $102,237 per year.
As of July 2022, all children transitioned to All Kids Assist, which eliminated premiums and copays for most eligible children. There is no waiting period for prior insurance coverage.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women in Illinois qualify for Medicaid with income up to 213% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a single pregnant woman, that translates to approximately $2,670 per month. Coverage includes prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care for 12 months after giving birth.
Seniors and People with Disabilities
Adults 65 and older, along with people who are blind or disabled, qualify for Medicaid with income up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is $1,304 per month for an individual. Different rules apply for long-term care Medicaid, which has asset limits and a 60-month look-back period.
Understanding who qualifies beyond income helps you determine if Medicaid is right for your situation.
Who Qualifies for Illinois Medicaid?
Meeting the income requirements is the primary factor, but you must also meet basic residency and citizenship criteria.
Basic Requirements
To qualify, you must be an Illinois resident (you can apply even without a permanent address) and be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or have qualifying immigration status.
Eligibility Categories
Adults between 19 and 64 qualify if earning below 138% FPL, regardless of whether they have children. Parents and caretaker relatives qualify under the same standard, and their children can enroll through All Kids.
Some people qualify automatically: SSI recipients are enrolled without a separate application, and children in foster care, homeless individuals, and TANF recipients also qualify automatically.
What Doesn't Affect Eligibility
Illinois has no asset test for most Medicaid categories. Your savings, car, and home don't count against you. Having a job doesn't disqualify you as long as your income stays below the threshold. Many working Illinoisans receive Medicaid because their wages still fall within the limits.
Next, let's examine what income counts toward these limits.
What Counts as Income for Illinois Medicaid?
Illinois Medicaid uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), similar to the income you report on your federal tax return.
Income That Counts
Wages, self-employment income, tips, bonuses, and commissions count toward your limit. Social Security benefits count (except SSI), along with unemployment, alimony received, pensions, and investment income.
Income That Doesn't Count
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), child support payments, worker's compensation, veterans' disability payments, and most gifts or inheritances are not counted.
Deductions That Lower Your Income
Student loan interest, traditional IRA contributions, and alimony payments you make can reduce your countable income. If your income varies throughout the year, Illinois looks at your projected annual income rather than a single month.
Knowing how to apply makes the enrollment process much smoother.
How to Apply for Illinois Medicaid
Applying for Illinois Medicaid is straightforward, with multiple options available. Most applications are processed within 45 days.
Application Options
The fastest way to apply is online through the ABE portal at abe.illinois.gov. The application takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You can also call the IDHS helpline at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY: 1-866-324-5553), visit a local IDHS Family Community Resource Center in person, or submit a paper application by mail.
Documents You'll Need
Gather proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport), proof of Illinois residency (utility bill or lease), and income verification (recent pay stubs or tax return). Have Social Security numbers available for everyone applying.
After You Apply
IDHS has 45 days to process regular Medicaid applications and 90 days for disability-related Medicaid. Coverage typically begins on the first day of the month you applied, and can sometimes cover medical bills from up to three months before your application date.
Before completing the full application, you can quickly check if you're likely to qualify.
Check Your Eligibility
A quick eligibility screening can help you understand your options before starting the official application. Free online tools ask a few questions about your household size, income, and situation, then show which programs you may qualify for.
Screening tools like Benefits USA check eligibility for Illinois Medicaid along with 10+ other benefit programs in about 5 minutes. You'll see estimated benefit values and guidance on next steps for each program where you may qualify.
These screeners aren't official applications. They provide estimates to help you understand what's available before spending time on paperwork. If the results show you're likely eligible for Medicaid, you can then apply through ABE with confidence.
Understanding what Illinois Medicaid covers helps you maximize your benefits.
What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover?
Illinois Medicaid provides comprehensive health coverage comparable to many private insurance plans. The program covers a wide range of medical services with minimal or no out-of-pocket costs for enrollees.
Medical Services
Illinois Medicaid covers doctor visits including primary care and specialist appointments. Hospital stays, emergency room visits, and outpatient procedures are included. Laboratory tests, X-rays, and diagnostic services are provided. Prescription medications are covered through the pharmacy benefit.
Mental Health, Dental, and Vision
Mental health services are covered, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care. Substance use disorder treatment is available when needed. Illinois Medicaid includes dental coverage for both children and adults, covering preventive care, fillings, and extractions. Vision coverage provides eye exams and glasses.
Additional Benefits
Preventive care is fully covered, including immunizations and health screenings. Prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care are included for pregnant women. Medical equipment and transportation to medical appointments are available when needed.
There is no monthly premium for most Illinois Medicaid enrollees, and copayments are minimal or waived entirely.
All Kids: Enhanced Coverage for Children
Illinois offers exceptional health coverage for children through the All Kids program, which combines Medicaid and CHIP into one streamlined program. Children from birth to age 18 can qualify with family income up to 318% of the Federal Poverty Level, approximately $102,237 per year for a family of four.
All Kids Assist provides comprehensive coverage with no monthly premiums and no copays for most services. Apply through the ABE portal at abe.illinois.gov or call the All Kids Hotline at 1-866-255-5437 for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Illinois Medicaid if I have a job?
Yes. Having a job does not disqualify you from Illinois Medicaid. What matters is your total household income. Many working Illinoisans receive Medicaid because their income falls below the threshold. You can work full-time and still qualify if your earnings are under the income limits for your household size.
Does Illinois Medicaid have an asset test?
No asset test applies to most Illinois Medicaid categories. Your savings account, vehicle, and home generally don't affect your eligibility. Only your income matters for most applicants. Long-term care Medicaid does have asset limits, but standard Medicaid for adults, children, and pregnant women does not.
How long does it take to get approved for Illinois Medicaid?
IDHS has up to 45 days to process your application for regular Medicaid and 90 days for disability-related Medicaid. Many applications are processed faster, especially when you submit all required documentation. Ask about expedited processing if you have an urgent medical need.
Can I get Illinois Medicaid if I'm undocumented?
Illinois offers emergency Medicaid services to individuals regardless of immigration status. Pregnant women may qualify for coverage regardless of immigration status. Children may also have additional options. Check with IDHS or a healthcare navigator about coverage options for your specific situation.
What if my income changes after I'm enrolled?
Report income changes to IDHS within 10 days of the change. If your income increases above the limits, you may become eligible for coverage through Get Covered Illinois (the state's ACA marketplace) with premium subsidies. If your income decreases, you may qualify for additional benefits like SNAP.
Can I apply for Illinois Medicaid if I already have health insurance?
Yes. You can apply to see if you qualify. If approved, you can decide whether to keep your current coverage or switch to Medicaid. Some families maintain employer coverage for working adults while enrolling children in All Kids because of the comprehensive coverage and zero cost.
Next Steps
If your income falls below the limits for your household size, you likely qualify for Illinois Medicaid. The program provides comprehensive health coverage worth $8,000 to $12,000 per year at little to no cost to you.
Approximately 3.2 million Illinoisans receive coverage through Medicaid and All Kids. Many more are eligible but haven't enrolled because they assume they don't qualify or find the process confusing.
Start by checking your eligibility using a free screening tool. Then gather your documents and apply online through ABE at abe.illinois.gov. The application takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and coverage can begin as early as the first of the month you apply.
Illinois has generous income limits, no asset test for most categories, and comprehensive coverage that includes dental and vision. Don't leave valuable healthcare benefits on the table.
