Medicaid Income Eligibility Requirements in Illinois

Medicaid is a federally funded health insurance program for individuals and families with limited income and resources. While Medicaid eligibility will affect how much federal reimbursement the state will receive for your medical care, most states --- including Illinois --- have state-run health insurance programs to help cover the gaps for low-income Illinois residents in need of health care. These programs combine the federal funds from Medicaid with state funds for more comprehensive health coverage.

FamilyCare

• The Illinois health insurance program for low-income residents is called FamilyCare, which covers both Medicaid-eligible and non-Medicaid-eligible families. FamilyCare offers four tiers of health insurance on a sliding scale, with higher premiums and copays for higher income families. FamilyCare Assist, the lowest income tier, is available to residents with a gross monthly income of $1,200 or less. Eligible income increases with additional dependents. For example, families of two can make up to $1,615 per month, while families of three can make up to $2,029 and still be eligible for FamilyCare Assist. To check your family's eligibility for additional tiers of FamilyCare coverage, see the monthly income eligibility chart on the FamilyCare website.

All Kids

• Even if you make too much money to qualify for Medicaid or state health insurance, your children may be eligible for All Kids. All Kids covers uninsured children who live in Illinois, and it has no income requirement. Medicaid offers federal reimbursement for the lowest income members of All Kids. Household income levels determine how much caregivers participating in the All Kids program will pay for doctor visits, hospital stays and prescription medications, on a sliding fee scale.

Dependents

• While people usually think of their children when considering dependent family members, children are not the only ones who may qualify as dependents. Dependents can also include adult children who are physically or mentally disabled, or a spouse or parent you care for who is permanently disabled. In addition, you may qualify for Medicaid or state health insurance if you have foster children, or if you care for the child of a relative full-time. Ask a caseworker about eligibility if you think you may have additional qualifying dependents.

Additional Information

• A number of complex factors determine Medicaid income eligibility requirements, such as annually assessed federal poverty level guidelines and budgetary considerations. Moreover, eligibility factors are subject to state requirements. Make an appointment with a caseworker at your local Illinois Department of Children and Family Services office to find out what kind of health coverage you and your family members are eligible for and submit an application. Be prepared to provide proof of income and assets, U.S. citizenship and Illinois residency.