Health & Benefits

Medicaid is a state and federal program that pays for medical costs for people with low income. Medicaid covers low-income adults with or without children. There are several different Medicaid programs, including:

• Affordable Care Act Medicaid for Adults, 
• All Kids for children up to age 19,
• Moms and Babies, 
• Pregnant women (who are presumed to be eligible),
• AABD Medicaid for people who are 65 and older, blind, or disabled,
• Family Health Plans, 
• Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors who are 65 and older (Note: The Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program will be paused for new enrollees beginning November 6, 2023. Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults between ages 42 and 64 has been paused since July 1, 2023), 
• Medicare Savings Programs, which help with Medicare Part B premiums,
• Non-citizen victims of trafficking, torture, or other serious crimes, 
• Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, 
• Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities, and 
• Veteran's Care.

If you qualify for Medicaid, you will receive a medical card each year. You can use this card to pay for doctor visits and hospital care. You can also use the card to pay for prescription drugs and other medical care. 

Medicaid is run by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). However, most (but not all) applications are reviewed by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). You can apply online for Medicaid. Starting in 2023, you can also receive information about your eligibility for Medicaid and other health insurance benefits through your Illinois income tax return. You do not have to go to a DHS office to apply for benefits.

If you qualify for a Medicaid program, it doesn't mean you can go to any doctor for free. Some doctors don't participate in Medicaid. Most people in Illinois on Medicaid are in managed care organizations, depending on where you live. This means that you will probably need to choose a network of doctors and hospitals to see with your Medicaid card. Otherwise, you will choose a Primary Care Provider (PCP) who will help coordinate your care. The PCP will refer you to specialists if you need to see one.

You will receive an enrollment packet after starting Medicaid that will explain the process of managed care. The enrollment packet will explain the choices of plans and doctors in your area. Learn more about managed care on the Medicaid website.