Illinois Medicaid: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
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Medicaid in Illinois is run by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Illinois adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in 2014, so an adult under 65 qualifies on income alone at or below 138% of the poverty guideline: $1,835 a month for one person in 2026. Children are covered through All Kids, and the application is at abe.illinois.gov or 800-843-6154. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | Illinois Medicaid (HealthChoice Illinois) |
|---|---|
| Children | All Kids |
| Agency | Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services |
| Apply | abe.illinois.gov · 800-843-6154 |
| Expansion | Yes, since 2014 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | January 2027 |
Who qualifies in Illinois
Adults 19 to 64 not on Medicare qualify at or below 138% of poverty (133% plus a 5% disregard), on household modified adjusted gross income, with no asset test. The 2026 figures:
| Household size | Annual income at 138% | Monthly | 100% of poverty (marketplace floor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 | $38,680 |
Computed from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (January 15, 2026).
Children (All Kids), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that Illinois sets above the federal minimums.
How Illinois compares
Illinois expanded on the first day it could, January 1, 2014, with the original group of states. On the work requirement it is not among the early starters (Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska), so members have until January 2027. Illinois uses the plain "Medicaid" name, so the card and letters say what they are.
How to apply for Illinois Medicaid
- Apply online at abe.illinois.gov, or call 800-843-6154. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to Illinois. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income.
A Illinois Medicaid case also qualifies you for a free phone (Illinois carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with Illinois SNAP.
What changes in Illinois
Illinois has set its own start for the federal work requirement: January 2027. Six-month renewals for expansion adults begin with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027. The nationwide changes are on the hub with CMS sources.
Illinois specifics
- The state-funded Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program (65 and over) continues; the adult program for ages 42 to 64 ended July 1, 2025.
- HFS warns that some non-citizens may lose coverage from October 1, 2026 under the federal eligibility change.
- Offices serve Chicago, Aurora, Joliet and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether Illinois Medicaid pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is Illinois's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in Illinois for 2026?
$22,025 a year for one adult, $29,863 for two and $45,540 for four (138% of the 2026 poverty guideline); children go higher through All Kids.
Does Illinois have a Medicaid work requirement?
Yes: Illinois has set January 2027, for expansion adults 19 to 64 (80 hours a month, with exemptions listed on the hub).
Sources
- Illinois Medicaid: state program page
- HHS: 2026 poverty guidelines
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid expansion and you (138%)
- Federal Register: community engagement interim final rule (June 3, 2026)
- CMS: 2025 law section-by-section overview
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