Medicaid in
Illinois
Illinois expanded Medicaid, so adults qualify for Illinois Medical Assistance (Medicaid) at 138% of the federal poverty level — about $3,142 a month for a household of three, with or without children.
Who Qualifies for Illinois Medical Assistance (Medicaid) in Illinois?
Illinois expanded Medicaid
Adults aged 19–64 in Illinois qualify for Illinois Medical Assistance (Medicaid) on income alone, at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, whether or not they have children and with no asset test for this group.
| Household Size | Monthly Limit | Annual Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,835 | $22,025 |
| 2 people | $2,489 | $29,863 |
| 3 people | $3,142 | $37,702 |
| 4 people | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 people | $4,448 | $53,378 |
| 6 people | $5,101 | $61,217 |
| 7 people | $5,755 | $69,055 |
| 8 people | $6,408 | $76,894 |
Limits shown at 138% of the federal poverty level for Illinois — the level a parent or caretaker adult is measured against. Source: state Medicaid eligibility levels as most recently published (2024); states may revise them. Children, pregnant women and people who are 65+, blind or disabled use different and generally higher limits.
Eligibility Requirements
Here's what you need to qualify for Medicaid in Illinois.
Income Limit
$3,142/mo for a household of three (138% FPL)
Adults Without Children
Covered in Illinois up to 138% of the federal poverty level
Citizenship
U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or qualified non-citizen
Non-expansion states limit adults to ~100% FPL.
Required Documents
Have these ready before you start your Medicaid application.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for Medicaid in Illinois.
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents listed above before starting.
Submit your application
Apply online through ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility), or by phone at 800-843-6154. Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services handles Illinois applications.
Wait for processing
Processing takes 15–45 days. Keep copies of everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Illinois in 2026?
Illinois expanded Medicaid, so an adult under 65 qualifies for Illinois Medical Assistance (Medicaid) with monthly income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,835 a month for one person, $3,142 for a household of three and $3,795 for four — $22,025 and $37,702 a year respectively. Children, pregnant women and people who are 65+, blind or disabled are measured against different and generally higher limits.
Can I get Medicaid in Illinois if I have no children?
Yes. Because Illinois expanded Medicaid, adults aged 19–64 with no children qualify for Illinois Medical Assistance (Medicaid) on income alone, at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. You do not need to be disabled, pregnant or a parent.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Illinois?
Apply for Illinois Medical Assistance (Medicaid) online through ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility) at hfs.illinois.gov, run by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, or by phone at 800-843-6154. Medicaid has no open-enrolment window — you can apply any day of the year, and coverage can be backdated up to three months if you were eligible then.
How long does Illinois take to approve Medicaid?
15–45 days is the normal range. Federal rules give Illinois 45 days to decide most applications and 90 days when a disability determination is required. Coverage, once granted, is generally backdated to the first day of the month you applied.
What if I earn too much for Medicaid in Illinois?
Children are covered at much higher incomes than adults everywhere — Illinois covers children through Medicaid and CHIP well above the adult limit, so apply for them separately even if you are denied. Pregnancy coverage also uses a higher limit. Above those, a Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit is the next step, and people who are 65+ or on Medicare should check the Medicare Savings Programs instead.
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Medicaid in Other States
Whether a state expanded Medicaid changes the adult income limit from 138% of poverty to as little as 15%.