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Elizabeth M. Whitehorn, Director

Applying for Medicaid

There are four ways to apply for Medicaid:

Online

You can apply online at https://abe.illinois.gov

Applying online is the best way to keep track of what information you submitted in case you need to make any changes.

  • When you apply online, you will be asked to create a secure account. By law, Medicaid must keep your information private and secure. Make sure to keep your user name, password, and any other private log-in information in a safe place.

Your application should take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. If you need to stop, click the “Save and Exit” button to return to the saved application later.

  • Your application session will log you out after 30 minutes if you are not active. You will need to log-in again to continue.

Once your application is submitted, you will see a “T- number” (tracking number) next to it. It is important to write this number down and keep it somewhere safe, because you will need it in the future to track your application.

You can use the same online application at https://ABE.illinois.gov to apply for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also called Food Stamps), Cash Assistance (TANF, Refugee Cash Assistance), and the Medicare Savings Program. When you fill out your application, check the boxes for all of the benefits you would like to receive.

Over the Phone

You can apply over the phone by calling the DHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154.

A representative will take your information.  Make sure to request the case number when you have completed the application. You should write this number down and keep it in a safe place.

In Person

You can apply in person at certain Illinois Department of Human Services locations called Family Community Resource Centers (FCRC).   Use the online DHS Office Locator at www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx? to find your nearest Family Community Resource Center.Some hospitals, health centers, and other community-based organizations may also be able to help you apply for Medicaid and other benefits.

Call Get Covered Illinois at 1-866-311-1119 to schedule an appointment for in-person help

With a Paper Application

 

Follow this link to download the application form:

http://www.hfs.illinois.gov/hfs/sitecollectioncocuments/il444-2378b.pdf

 

Follow the directions on the form. You may type in the online form, or print it out and write on it. Include as much information as you can, even if you can't answer all the questions. Be sure to include your name and address. You must sign the form.

Once you've completed the application, carry, mail, or fax it to your local Family Community Resource Center.

Use the online DHS Office Locator at www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx? to find the address or fax number of your nearest Family Community Resource Center or call the

Filling out the application will be easier if you have the following information in front of you:

  • An address where you can receive mail. This does not have to be your home address. If you do not have a home address, you can use the address of a friend, family member, or community organization that has agreed to let you pick up mail there.

  • Full names and dates of birth for everyone in your household.

  • Social Security numbers for everyone applying who has one. If Social Security numbers are pending, give the dates the applications were made. Children and pregnant women are not required to have a social security number to apply or be found eligible for coverage. 
  • Alien Registration Numbers for everyone in your family applying for benefits who are not U.S. citizens and who has one. Children and pregnant women are not required to have a social security number to apply or be found eligible for coverage.

  • Information about income received by people in your household including spousal support.  This is different from child support, which is not counted as income.

  • Information on health insurance, if you or someone in your household already has health insurance.

  • If you only qualify for Medicaid because you are 65 or older, you will need to provide information on your financial resources such as checking, savings, and retirement account balances.

     

Need Help with an Application?

Call the DHS helpline:

1-800-843-6154

TTY: 1-800-447-6404

 

The State will try to electronically verify as much of your information as possible. If something cannot be verified electronically, you will be sent a letter with a list of documents to provide.   If you do not return these documents by the date on the letter, your application may be denied and you will not receive Medicaid.

 

There are serious penalties for submitting false information to Medicaid.

Make sure that the information on your Medicaid application is truthful to the best of your knowledge.