Illinois · Medicaid
Medicaid in Illinois
Looking for Medicaid eligibility in Illinois? Here is how this coverage lane works specifically for Illinois residents, what it costs, and how to get it.
Facts on this page checked Jan 15, 2026. Sources are listed at the end.
How it works here
Medicaid, explained for Illinois.
Illinois expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify regardless of whether they have children.
Medicaid in Illinois provides free or very low-cost comprehensive coverage for those who qualify, and you can apply year-round — there is no enrollment window.
If you do not qualify for Medicaid in Illinois, a subsidized Marketplace plan through Get Covered Illinois is usually the next best option.
Illinois Medicaid covers expansion adults up to roughly 138% of FPL along with children, pregnant women, and other eligible groups.
Year-round Medicaid enrollment means you do not need to wait for Open Enrollment if your income qualifies.
If you lose Medicaid after an income increase, Get Covered Illinois typically opens a path to subsidized Marketplace coverage.
Illinois facts
- Marketplace
- Get Covered Illinois
- Medicaid expansion
- Adopted
- Uninsured rate
- ~7.0%
Open enrollment 2027
When Illinois can enroll.
- Most exchanges open
- Nov 1, 2026
- Most exchanges close
- Jan 15, 2027
- Get Covered Illinois dates
- Set by the state
- Confirm before you rely on a date
Illinois runs its own exchange. We do not have a state-specific date on file. Confirm with Get Covered Illinois before you rely on a date. Outside this window, a qualifying life event (a move, a new baby, losing other coverage) can open a Special Enrollment Period.
Medicare is different.Medicare’s annual enrollment runs Oct 15 to Dec 7, 2026. For Medicare help, visit our sister site OLYRON Medicare or Medicare.gov.
Dates checked Oct 15, 2026. Sources: HealthCare.gov: dates and deadlines; CMS statement, Jul 27, 2026.
More in this state
Other coverage in Illinois.
- ACA Marketplace plansSubsidy-eligible major-medical plans sold on the exchange.
- Health sharingMember-funded medical cost sharing — not insurance.
- Short-term plansTemporary coverage to bridge a gap — limited benefits.
- MedicareOriginal Medicare, Advantage, and Medigap for 65+ and eligible.
- DentalStandalone and bundled dental coverage options.
- VisionEye exams, glasses, and contacts coverage.
- TelehealthVirtual primary and urgent care memberships.
Questions
Good questions, short answers.
Who qualifies for Medicaid in Illinois?
Adults with income up to about 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, plus children, pregnant women, and others who meet income rules.
Can I apply for Medicaid any time in Illinois?
Yes — unlike Marketplace plans, Medicaid enrollment is open year-round for those who qualify.
Did Illinois expand Medicaid?
Yes. Illinois adopted ACA Medicaid expansion, which generally opens coverage to more low-income adults.
Sources
- Medicaid.gov — federal Medicaid program information · reviewed 2026-01-15
- KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) — health policy research · reviewed 2026-01-15
- OLYRON HealthMatch editorial methodology — how we source and rate options · reviewed 2026-01-15
Before the rush
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