How to Determine Eligibility for Medicaid in Illinois

Medicaid is federal health insurance coverage for low-income individuals. Even though Medicaid is a federal program, each state has its own rules and requirements for coverage and eligibility. Illinois is no exception. The state provides health insurance to children, parents or caregivers of children and seniors with a disability or suffering from blindness. You must meet the citizenship, income and asset requirements to apply for coverage. After completing the application, your information will be reviewed to determine Medicaid eligibility.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine your eligibility group. Illinois Medicaid covers children, parents or caretaker relatives raising children under the age of 19, women who are pregnant, seniors over the age of 65 and persons who have a disability or blindness.

• 2

  Meet the citizenship requirements. To be eligible to receive state medical coverage in Illinois, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant. For pregnant women, the citizenship requirement does not apply.

• 3

  Meet the income guidelines. If you are applying for Medicaid for an infant, your household income cannot exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, the federal poverty level income would be $18,310. Therefore, the highest amount you can make with three people in your household to qualify for Medicaid for the infant would be $36,620. To qualify for Medicaid for children ages 1 through 9, your income cannot exceed 133 percent of the poverty level. For parents and caregiver relatives, the limit is 185 percent of the poverty level. Pregnant women are also allowed to earn 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

• 4

  Meet the eligibility requirements for the elderly and disabled. Very poor elderly or disabled people in Illinois who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits can also qualify for Medicaid. The income must no more than 200 percent of the poverty level. For seniors without Medicare coverage, the income must not exceed 100 percent of the poverty level.

• 5

  Meet the asset limits. You cannot have more than $2,000 in countable assets to be eligible for Medicaid. If you are a married couple, you are allowed $3,000 in assets. Seniors who wish to apply for Medicaid to supplement their Medicare costs are allowed to have no more than $10,000 in assets. Your home, vehicle and personal items, such as clothing and furniture, are not considered countable assets.

  Applications may also be completed at the time of service at hospitals and clinics.

• 6

  Visit your local Illinois Department of Human Service to apply for Medicaid coverage. You can also apply online through Illinois Web Benefits.