Benefits Outreach

Don’t Lose Your Medicaid Coverage

Medicaid rules will change January 1, 2027: Take action to keep your coverage.

Medicaid Rules Are Changing! Here’s What You Need to Know:

The Federal Government has passed a law adding work requirements and more frequent redeterminations for adults 19 - 64 who receive Medicaid and aren’t parents or caregivers. The new rules will go into effect January 1, 2027. Read below for some steps you can take to make sure you keep your coverage.

Review Your Eligibility

Beginning in 2027, some Medicaid recipients will be now required to be connected to a job, volunteer opportunity, or training program for at least 80 hours per month. See if you are meeting new work requirements or if you qualify for one of the many exemptions.
Update Your Information

Make sure that the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) can reach you, so that you don’t miss any notices. Watch your mail: the state will contact Medicaid customers directly before any change affects coverage.
Protect Our Care

Many of our neighbors who rely on SNAP for food also rely on Medicaid for health care-- ensuring access to these critical supports is urgent. That’s why the Food Depository is a member of Protect Our Care — Illinois, a statewide coalition defending access to quality affordable health care for all. 

Need support navigating this change? We can help.

If you’re unsure what these changes mean for you, or what you need to do next, you can get help enrolling or support with your redetermination by talking with one of our Benefits Specialists today. Click here for a one page summary of Medicaid changes.

Contact Us

Work and Redetermination Requirements

Effective January 1, 2027

Many people between the ages of 19 and 64 who do not have dependents under the age of 18 will be required to work or volunteer a minimum of 80 hours per month to keep Medicaid coverage.

To meet this requirement, a person must work (paid or unpaid), participate in a work training program, be enrolled in school, volunteer or do community service, or any combination of the above.

Exemptions are available. Use this screener to see if you are meeting new work requirements or if you qualify for one of the many exemptions. If you are eligible for an exemption, you will be able to share that information with IDHS when the new requirements take effect.

These changes will take effect for new enrollees beginning January 1, 2027, and as part of the redetermination process for existing enrollees beginning in March 2027. Many people will now also have to renew their Medicaid coverage via redetermination every six months, instead of once a year.

LAUNCH THE SCREENER

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How to Apply for Medicaid Healthcare and Other FAQs

Can’t find an answer to your question? We’re here to help.

Reach out to us

You can apply online with the State of Illinois. If you need help or have questions, you can request a call and we will contact you by phone within 2-3 business days. You can also call the Food Depository directly Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 773-247-3663. We’ll answer your benefits questions, help you submit the application and provide support to ensure you get connected to eligible benefits.

You must meet certain requirements to be eligible for Medicaid and receive benefits. Eligibility is determined by the following factors:

  • Residency
  • Citizenship and immigrant status (Immigrants who do not meet eligibility rules may be eligible for Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA) if they otherwise meet all Medicaid eligibility standards)
  • Tax filing status
  • Household size/composition
  • Income

Illinois children age 18 and younger regardless of their immigration status are eligible for complete health insurance through All Kids, as long as their families meet income requirements. The Illinois program Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors covers current enrollees aged 65 and over, but is not currently accepting new applications. 

You may need the following document to apply:

  • Proof of identity for head of household
  • Social security numbers for everyone who is applying for benefits
  • Proof of earned income from the past 30 days
  • Proof of Illinois residency (ex. State ID, utility bill, rental lease)
  • Proof of citizenship/immigration status (ex. birth certificate, passport, legal permanent resident card, etc.)

You should receive a letter with a decision within 45-60 days of submitting your application. If you are denied, you will receive a reason for denial. If you are approved, you should receive your Medicaid medical card within 7-10 business days.

Yes. Unless you are a child under age 19 or a pregnant woman, in order to be eligible for Medicaid, you must be either a U.S. citizen or an immigrant who has been living in the U.S. with lawful permanent resident status for at least five years.

Illinois children age 18 and younger whose families meet income requirements are eligible for complete health insurance through All Kids. The Illinois program Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors covers current enrollees aged 65 and over, but is not currently accepting new applications.

You can request to have a new card mailed out from your local Department of Human Services Office. You can also visit the ABE site to download a copy from the Manage My Case Portal.

Explore Other Federal and State-Sponsored Programs

If you’re in need, assistance is available. SNAP is just one of many federal and state-sponsored programs that get resources into the hands of those who need them most.

Food & Medical benefits programs

Medicaid

Explore Medicaid, a federal and state program that helps you get access to critical healthcare and services.
WIC

Find out how WIC (nutrition for Women, Infants and Children) helps ensure families receive the food needed for growing bodies.
LIHEAP

Learn how to seek assistance with electricity and heating in Chicago and the Cook County region through LIHEAP.
EITC

Find out more about who is eligible for tax credits through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
School supplies
School Readiness Assistance/Head Start

Find out if you qualify for assistance with free school readiness and the Head Start program.

Get Help Managing the Benefits You Deserve

Food is a human right. Work with our team to maintain access to the food and medical benefits you need.

Get Help With Benefits