How to apply for Illinois Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

Four ways to apply for Illinois Medicaid

Documents you will need to apply

HFS and DHS use ABE data to verify eligibility electronically through federal and state databases in most cases. You may still be asked to provide documents to confirm information that cannot be verified automatically. Common documents requested include:

• Proof of identity — driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate
• Proof of Illinois residency — a utility bill, lease, or mail with your current address
• Proof of income — recent pay stubs, employer letter, or tax returns for self-employed applicants
• Social Security number for all U.S. citizen applicants (children who are not citizens are not required to provide an SSN)
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status for each applicant who claims to be a citizen
• Health insurance information — if any household member currently has other coverage

Not all documents are required for every applicant. ABE will tell you specifically what is needed for your household. Undocumented applicants who are otherwise eligible (such as children under All Kids) are not required to provide immigration documentation.

How long does an Illinois Medicaid decision take?

Federal regulations at 42 CFR 435.912 require a decision within 45 days for most Medicaid applications. Disability-related applications may take up to 90 days. Illinois generally processes standard income-based applications within this window.

If your application is approved, you will receive an HFS Medical Card and a notice explaining your coverage. For HealthChoice Illinois managed care enrollment, a separate packet from the enrollment broker (1-877-912-8880) will arrive with your plan choices and PCP selection instructions. You have 30 days to select a plan; if you do not choose, one is assigned automatically.

If your application is denied or benefits are reduced, you have the right to appeal. The appeal must be filed within 60 days of the notice date. You can request a hearing through ABE, by mail, or by calling DHS.

ABE also handles benefit renewals and case changes

ABE's "Manage My Case" section lets current enrollees renew coverage, update income or address information, add new household members, and check their redetermination due date — all without calling or visiting an office. This is the fastest way to complete a renewal before your due date.

Reporting a change in income, household size, or address within 10 days of the change is required under Medicaid rules. Delayed reporting can cause an overpayment or a gap in coverage. Use ABE's Manage My Case or call 1-800-843-6154 to report changes.

Documents you may need

• Photo ID — Illinois driver's license, state ID, or passport
• Social Security numbers for all applying household members
• Proof of Illinois residency — utility bill, lease, or official mail
• Income documentation — last 30 days of pay stubs, or most recent tax return
• Self-employment: profit/loss statement or last tax return
• Proof of disability or blindness (if applying on that basis)
• For pregnant women: confirmation of pregnancy from a healthcare provider
• For All Kids: SSN is not required for undocumented children

How to apply — three ways

Step-by-step application guide

1. 1

   Gather your documents

   Collect identity, residency, and income documents for all household members. All Kids does not require immigration documentation for children.

2. 2

   Apply at abe.illinois.gov (or call 1-800-843-6154)

   One ABE application screens for Medicaid, All Kids, SNAP, and cash assistance. You do not need a separate application for each program.

3. 3

   Respond to any follow-up requests

   HFS or DHS may request additional documents. Log in to your ABE account to upload or check status. Respond quickly to avoid delays.

4. 4

   Receive your determination letter

   HFS must issue a decision within 45 days for most applications (90 days for disability-based). The letter will confirm eligibility or explain why you were denied, and describe your appeal rights.

5. 5

   Choose your HealthChoice Illinois managed care plan

   If approved, most enrollees must choose a plan through the enrollment broker at enrollhfs.illinois.gov or 1-877-912-8880. Plans include BCBS Illinois, CountyCare (Cook County), Harmony, IlliniCare, Meridian, and Molina. You have 30 days to choose; if you do not, one is auto-assigned.