How to Apply Online for Illinois Medicaid

Low-income Illinois residents who cannot afford health insurance can apply for Medicaid to obtain free medical coverage. Even if you have private health insurance via your job, Illinois' Department of Human Services (DHS) provides medical-assistance rebates for families who meet income requirements. All applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements and income limits according to their household size to qualify for Illinois Medicaid benefits. A DHS interview isn't required to receive Medicaid benefits in Illinois.

Things You'll Need

• Pay stub
• Income statement
• Daycare bill
• Child support order
• Spousal support order

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Instructions

• 1

  Gather documents to prove your income, residence and childcare expenses. Illinois only provides Medicaid benefits for Illinois residents who are U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens. If this information isn't readily available, you still can submit an application, and provide these documents at a later time. However, submitting these documents with your application ensures faster processing time.

• 2

  Visit the Illinois Department of Human Services website to complete an online application (see Resources). Enter your email address, and select a password to create a new account, then press "Create New Application." You must create an account prior to starting the application; you can save your information and complete the application across multiple sessions.

• 3

  Enter your full name and date of birth as the person completing the application. List the names and birth dates for each family member who needs Medicaid benefits. If any of the applicants have health insurance, or had health care coverage within the past three months, list the insurance company's name, the policyholder's name, the date coverage started, the employer's name and the policy number.

• 4

  List the names of all adult applicants who are employed, including self-employment. You must list the number of hours worked, the amount earned, payment frequency, and the employer's contact information for each employed applicant.

• 5

  Input the names of all applicants who receive income from sources other than full-time employment, such as rental property or retirement pensions. Additionally, list the names of applicants who pay or receive child or spousal support. Include the monthly amount earned or paid, and attach proof of additional sources of income from the past month to the application.

• 6

  Type in the names of applicants who pay for daycare services to allow them to work. Include the name of the daycare or childcare service provider, the children in daycare and the monthly amount paid for childcare services.

• 7

  Save the application when you are done, and press "Submit." Allow up to 45 days for your application to process and to receive a decision on your eligibility.