Illinois Medicaid & Redetermination
Stay connected. Stay informed. Protect your Medicaid coverage.
Illinois Medicaid is a public health coverage program jointly administered by federal and state governments. It provides low-cost health coverage for eligible residents, including children, pregnant women, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and adults with low income. Medicaid members in Illinois are enrolled in managed care plans like Aetna Better Health, Blue Cross Community Health Plans, CountyCare Health Plan, Meridian Health, Molina Healthcare, YouthCare, and Humana (starting in January 2027).
Beginning January 1, 2027, new federal rules will affect some Medicaid members. Certain members may need to take extra steps in the future to keep their coverage.
To apply for Medicaid or learn more about upcoming changes, visit HFS’ Medicaid Customer Guide.
Most important step:
Don't risk losing your health insurance. Please update your address with Illinois Medicaid. It's easy, fast, and free: Call 877.805.5312 from 7:45 am – 4:30 pm or complete the online “Report Medicaid Change of Address” form. If you use a TTY, call 877.204.1012.
What You Should Do Now:
Update Your Information
Make sure your mailing address and contact information is current with Medicaid. To update your address, complete the Report Medicaid Change of Address. Keeping your address current ensures you receive important documents from Illinois Medicaid.
Check Your Mail
Review letters, emails, and text messages so you do not miss important deadlines.
Respond on Time
Complete renewal forms or requests for information as soon as possible. You only have 30-60 days to complete renewal.
What Is Changing?
Federal law created new Medicaid eligibility requirements that may affect some Medicaid members in the future.
Beginning January 1, 2027:
- Some adults ages 19–64 may need to report work, education, or community service activities, or claim an allowable exemption based on circumstances or condition to continue to receive coverage.
- Some Medicaid members may need to renew their coverage every 6 months instead of once a year.
Who Is Generally Not Affected?
- Children under age 19
- Adults age 65 and older
- Pregnant individuals
- Parents with dependent children in the home
- Current or former foster youth under age 26
Medicaid Eligibility Changes for Some Immigrants
Starting October 2026, Medicaid eligibility may change for some immigrant groups. Some people who currently qualify may no longer be eligible, while many others will continue to qualify.
Because rules can be different depending on each person’s situation, visit Illinois HFS for the most current information.
More information about upcoming changes and next steps can be found at GetMedicaidFacts.com
Applying for and Renewing Medicaid Coverage
Can I still apply for Medicaid Coverage?
Yes. You can still apply for Medicaid or renew your current coverage if you are eligible. For more information about applying for Medicaid:
- Visit the HFS website: Applying for Medicaid
- Log in at Illinois ABE
- Call 1.800.843.6154
- Visit your local Family Community Resource Center. To find a center near you, use the DHS Office Locator.
What Is Redetermination?
Redetermination is a review of a recipient’s eligibility for Medicaid. Redetermination requires you to return a renew annually online or by returning the renewal form to see if you still qualify for a Medicaid card.
You will receive an initial letter from the State telling you that your redetermination form is on the way. Then, about two weeks later, you will receive the actual redetermination form in the mail. Please pay close attention to the due date and make sure you return it on time.
Members will be required to submit additional documents during redetermination.
What If I Received a Letter Asking If I Want to Change My Medicaid Plan?
Illinois HFS sends Medicaid members a letter once a year giving them the option to change managed care plans during their annual open enrollment period.
- If your current plan is meeting your needs, you do not need to make a change.
- If you want to change plans, call Illinois HFS Client Enrollment Services at 877.912.8880.
Most people covered by Medicaid in the Chicago area must select, or be auto enrolled into, a Medicaid managed care plan.
What Should I Do If My Medicaid Coverage Is Canceled?
If your Medicaid coverage has been canceled, it is possible that:
- You did not receive a form in the mail to renew coverage for Medicaid.
- You received the redetermination (renewal) form, but you:
- Did not return the form.
- Did not return the required documents – such as proof of income or proof of Illinois residency.
- You sent the redetermination (renewal) form back but were not approved to renew your Medicaid coverage.
Depending on what caused your coverage to be canceled, there may be ways to restore it or find alternative forms of health insurance. To learn what you should do next, find the scenario below that matches your situation.
- If you did not return the redetermination (renewal) form or did not renew online, and:
- You still have the form: Call Illinois Medicaid at 800.843.6154 and ask for more time to return the form.
- You do not have the form or did not renew online: Call Illinois Medicaid at 800.843.6154 ;and ask for a new form.
- You missed the deadline to submit the form: You may have to re-apply for coverage. You may also need to re-apply for yourself or other family members. To re-apply, visit abe.illinois.gov/access/ or contact your HFS caseworker.
- If you sent the redetermination (renewal) form back or renewed online but were not approved to have a medical card:
- Contact your HFS caseworker and ask why your coverage was not renewed.
- If you disagree with the decision to cancel your coverage, you may request an appeal by calling 8008436154 or 866.324.5553 TTY.
- If your coverage was canceled due to a change in your income:
Visit getcoveredillinois.gov or call 866.311.1119 to find out what other health insurance options you may have. Health navigators are available to help answer questions and help you apply for other low-cost insurance options.
Who Can I Speak With If I Have Questions?
If you have questions about your Medicaid managed care plan or are ready to choose a plan, call Illinois HFS Client Enrollment Services at 877.912.8880.
If you have questions about Medicaid redetermination, a missing renewal form, canceled coverage, or your eligibility, call Illinois Medicaid at 800.843.6154.
To update your address with Illinois Medicaid, call 877.805.5312 from 7:45 am–4:30 pm. If you use a TTY, call 877.204.1012.
Additional Help with Health Insurance
If you no longer qualify for Medicaid because of a change in income, visit Get Covered Illinois or call 866.311.1119. Health navigators can help answer questions and assist with applying for other low-cost health insurance options.
