All Kids: Illinois's CHIP program for children

Last verified: June 2026

All Kids launched in 2006 — one of the earliest universal children's coverage programs in the U.S.

All Kids was launched in 2006 under Governor Rod Blagojevich with the stated goal of providing health insurance to every child in Illinois regardless of income, immigration status, or health condition. At the time, it was one of the few state programs explicitly designed for near-universal children's coverage — predating the Affordable Care Act's CHIP expansions by several years.

The program drew national attention as a model for broad children's coverage. Illinois was among the first states to use state funds to cover children who did not meet federal immigration requirements, a policy that remains in place today. Per HFS, All Kids accepts children regardless of immigration status as long as they live in Illinois.

Per the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP), Illinois operated a combination CHIP program with 296,186 children covered in CHIP-funded All Kids enrollment in federal fiscal year 2018. Combined with Medicaid-funded children's coverage, total All Kids enrollment has consistently exceeded 1.5 million children statewide.

Who qualifies for All Kids in Illinois?

Children qualify for All Kids if they meet these requirements:

• Age 18 or younger (up to the 19th birthday)
• Illinois resident
• Family income at or below 318% of the Federal Poverty Level
• All income-eligible children qualify regardless of immigration status — Illinois uses state funds for children who do not meet federal immigration requirements (per HFS and NASHP)

Children who have other insurance can still qualify for All Kids at most income levels. At the Assist and Share tiers, having employer-sponsored insurance does not disqualify a child. At Premium Level 2, a child must have been uninsured for 3 months, unless an exemption applies (COBRA, premium exceeds 5% of household income, special health care needs, etc.).

All Kids coverage tiers: what you pay depends on income

All Kids is structured in four tiers based on family income and size. Lower-income families pay nothing; higher-income families pay modest premiums and copays. Per HFS, well-child checkups and immunizations are always free regardless of tier.

Source: HFS All Kids Income Standards & Cost Sharing Chart (hfs.illinois.gov/medicalprograms/allkids/income.html), HFS form HFS 3711AK (R-04-19). Income ranges are approximate estimates for a family of 4, based on current HFS charts. FPL percentages include the 5% MAGI income disregard. Premium caps: Level 1 — $40/mo for 5+ children; Level 2 — $80/mo for 2+ children.

What All Kids covers for enrolled children

Per HFS, All Kids is complete health insurance for children. It covers:

• Doctor visits — well-child checkups and sick visits
• Specialist care and referrals
• Hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient)
• Emergency services and urgent care
• Prescription drugs
• Vision care — eye exams, glasses
• Dental care through DentaQuest — includes exams, cleanings, fillings, and orthodontia when medically necessary
• Speech therapy, physical therapy, and other therapies when medically necessary
• Medical equipment and supplies

Children with special health care needs who are enrolled in All Kids receive services under the EPSDT mandate, which requires all medically necessary care to be covered — even if a specific service is not listed in the standard benefit package.

How to apply for All Kids

The easiest way to apply is through ABE at abe.illinois.gov. A single application covers all household members for Medicaid, All Kids, SNAP, and other programs. You do not need a separate application for All Kids — ABE routes children to the appropriate coverage tier based on age and household income.

You can also call the All Kids Hotline at 1-866-ALL-KIDS (1-866-255-5437), apply at a local DHS office, or use an All Kids Application Agent in your community. Agents are located at schools, community health centers, hospitals, and other organizations throughout Illinois.

All Kids income tiers and premiums

Premiums are per child per month; maximum family cap applies. All tiers cover the same comprehensive benefit package. Premium amounts are approximate — confirm current amounts with HFS.

What All Kids covers

• Well-child visits, screenings, and immunizations
• Primary care, specialist, and hospital visits
• Prescription medications
• Dental care — exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and orthodontics when medically necessary
• Vision care — eye exams and corrective lenses
• Mental health and behavioral health services
• Emergency and urgent care
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy when medically necessary
• EPSDT: all medically necessary services must be covered for children under 21 at lower income tiers

All Kids vs CHIP in neighboring states