How to apply for Medicaid in Illinois
Who qualifies, the income limit, how to apply, and the green card question. Educational only, not legal advice.
Last checked October 18, 2026 · Written by licensed advisors · Sources are numbered and listed under Notes and sources
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a health coverage program for people with lower incomes. Each state runs its own, and the federal government helps pay for it.
In Illinois, Medicaid and All Kids cover health care for low-income people of all ages. Children can qualify at higher incomes than adults.12
- Health coverage for lower incomes
- Run by the state, helped by the federal government
- Apply any time of year
- Children can qualify at higher incomes: All Kids
How do I qualify for Medicaid in Illinois?
Most Illinois adults aged 19 to 64 qualify when their household income is low enough. You do not need to have children or a disability.
You also need to live in Illinois and have an eligible immigration status. HealthCare.gov says only certain statuses get full Medicaid coverage, such as lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
Children, pregnant women and people with disabilities have separate rules and can qualify at higher incomes.3
What to do: Not sure? Apply anyway. The state checks every program for you.
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Illinois?
For most adults the limit is about 138% of the federal poverty line. For one person in 2026 that is about $22,025 a year, or about $1,835 a month.
The limit goes up with household size. The state does the final count, so use these as a guide, not a promise.
If your income is above the Medicaid limit, you may qualify for a Marketplace tax credit instead.42
What to do: See the poverty line for every household size.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Illinois?
Apply on ABE, the Illinois Application for Benefits Eligibility, at abe.illinois.gov. You can also apply by phone through the ABE call center.
You can apply for Medicaid any time of year. There is no open enrollment window for it.
You can also start on HealthCare.gov or Get Covered Illinois. The application checks Medicaid and tax credits together.25
- 1. GatherIncome, ID and who lives with you
- 2. ApplyABE online, or call (800) 843-6154 (key step)
- 3. AnswerThe state may write or call for more information
- 4. DecisionYou get a notice by mail
What to do: Keep the state’s letters. If something is missing, answer by the date on the notice.
Does Illinois Medicaid cover dental?
Illinois Medicaid covers some dental care, but the benefits for adults are narrower than for children, and they have changed over the years.
Do not assume a service is covered. Ask your plan or HFS before you book a procedure.6
- Is this service covered for adults?
- Is my dentist in the plan?
- Do I need approval first?
What to do: If you need more dental coverage than Medicaid gives, a separate dental plan can help. We can show you options.
Does getting Medicaid affect my green card or citizenship?
It can, and the rule just changed. We cannot tell you whether Medicaid will count in your case.
The government can refuse a green card or visa if it decides a person is likely to become a “public charge.” Until 2026, a federal rule from 2022, applied by USCIS, did not count Medicaid for health care, except long-term institutional care paid by the government. A new federal rule rescinded that rule. It took effect September 18, 2026.
Under the new rule, officers look at each person’s whole situation case by case. Receiving public benefits is one factor. Some groups, such as refugees and asylees, have historically been exempt.
The public charge test is about getting a green card or a visa. U.S. citizens are not subject to it.78
- Until September 18, 2026A 2022 rule did not count Medicaid for health care
- From September 18, 2026A new rule: officers look at each case as a whole (key step)
- Before you applyAsk an immigration attorney or accredited representative
Heads up: This is general information, not legal advice. The rule changed in 2026, and your case may be different. Talk to an immigration attorney or a Department of Justice accredited representative before you apply, if you are applying for a green card or visa.
What to do: Ask a lawyer before you apply for Medicaid for yourself or someone you support, if a green card or visa is part of your plans. Children’s coverage and emergency care are good questions to ask about too.
What is changing for Medicaid in Illinois in 2027?
Illinois adults in the expansion group must show work, community service, a work program, at least half-time school or enough income, or qualify for an exemption. Adults already enrolled face the rule at their first renewal in 2027. Renewals move to every six months.
People who lose Medicaid for not meeting the rule can’t get Marketplace tax credits. The rule comes from the federal law H.R. 1.91011
What to do: If this may affect you, call us before your renewal.
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Obamacare Hotline and/or Medicare Po Polsku are private companies not affiliated with any local, state, or federal government agency. This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice.