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Elizabeth M. Whitehorn, Director

Medicaid Guide Home

Understanding Medicaid

The Illinois Department of Health Care and Family Services administers Medicaid, which is a federal-state program that provides health insurance coverage to 3.3 million residents – one in four Illinoisans – who meet certain eligibility standards.  

The Social Security Amendments of 1965 established the Medicaid and Medicare programs. Medicaid is health care insurance program for families and individuals with low income and limited resources, whereas Medicare is federal program available to all seniors. For more details on the difference between Medicaid and Medicare, click here.  

Under Medicaid, the federal government provides matching funds to states to help them in delivering medical care to those whose incomes and resources are insufficient to cover the costs of necessary medical services. Each state administers its own Medicaid program, sets eligibility requirements, determines the scope and types of services, and establishes the rate of payment.  

In Illinois, Medicaid is commonly referred to as “All Kids” or the “medical card.” Within Medicaid, there are different coverage groups for different populations including: All Kids, FamilyCare, Affordable Care Act (ACA) Adults, Moms and Babies, Former Foster Care, and Aid to Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD) medical. Click here to learn more about enrollment eligibility. 

Should you have further questions about the Medicaid program in Illinois, please don’t hesitate to contact hfs.webmaster@illinois.gov.