Immigrant Eligibility for Medicaid FAQ
- Who is eligible for Medicaid?
- What type of information does the state report to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)?
- It was recently reported that CMS shared Illinois Medicaid customer information with the Department of Homeland Security, is this true?
- Is Medicaid data routinely shared by CMS with other federal agencies?
- Federal CMS has publicly stated that it is reviewing states’ claims data to determine if states are improperly claiming federal funds for people with unsatisfactory immigration status. Is Illinois subject to this review?
- What if I have questions about Medicaid and my immigration status?
Illinois’ federally-funded Medicaid program provides comprehensive health care coverage for Illinois residents who meet eligibility criteria. 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. Other immigrants with special status, such refugees and asylees, may also be eligible. This is the same criteria for Medicaid coverage in other states.
All people - regardless of immigration status - can go to the hospital and receive emergency medical services. The federal government provides reimbursement funds to hospitals for these visits through Medicaid as long as the person is otherwise eligible (for example, meets the income requirement). As part of the reimbursement process, the State of Illinois must submit data to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in order to receive reimbursement.
More information about Illinois Medicaid eligibility criteria is available here.
All states are required to routinely share information with CMS to receive reimbursement for Medicaid costs. Federal law requires that all states submit standard customer-level information, such as name, address, date of birth, Medicaid ID, Social Security number (if provided), and information pertaining to immigration status. States also provide CMS with information about health services received, claims processing, and program funding.
In April 2025, HFS received a request from federal CMS to review Illinois data regarding claims for federal financial participation that were submitted as part of HFS’s submission for the quarter ending December 31, 2024. HFS is participating in this federal CMS review process.
If you have questions about how enrollment in this program would affect current or future requests to change your immigration status, please email Protecting Immigrant Families at pifillinois@povertylaw.org, or call the Immigrant Family Resource Program at 1-855-437-7669. They will help you find an organization to answer your questions.
The Illinois Department of Human Services provides a range of resources for immigrants, refugees and asylees, including a list of qualified Community Service Agencies that serve immigrants.
To apply for or manage your existing Medicaid benefits, visit ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility.) You can also call the Health Benefits Hotline at 1-800-226-0768.
Learn more about HFS’ Medical Programs and who is eligible for Medicaid here.