How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in Illinois?
William Smith
Updated on April 01, 2026
Assuming that you meet all of the eligibility guidelines, including the resource limit, your Medicaid application will typically be reviewed and approved within 45 days in Illinois. In some cases, a Medicaid application is approved even faster.
What is the income limit for Medicaid in IL?
Who is eligible for Illinois Medicaid?
| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $17,775 |
| 2 | $24,040 |
| 3 | $30,305 |
| 4 | $36,570 |
How do I know if I qualify for Medicaid in Illinois?
1-800-842-1461. To use the automated system, you must have the individual’s Medicaid Recipient Identification Number (RIN) and the date of service for which you need eligibility information. If you do not know the individual’s RIN, you need the individual’s name, birthdate and SSN and must talk with hotline staff.
Is Medicare and Medicaid the same?
Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage if you are 65+ or under 65 and have a disability, no matter your income. Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage if you have a very low income. They will work together to provide you with health coverage and lower your costs.
What makes you eligible for Medicaid in your state?
Many states have expanded their Medicaid programs to cover all people below certain income levels. Medicaid qualifications depend partly on whether your state has expanded its program. No matter your state, you may qualify for Medicaid based on your income, household size, disability, family status, and other factors.
What happens when you no longer qualify for Medicaid?
Coverage generally stops at the end of the month in which a person no longer meets the requirements for eligibility. States have the option to establish a “medically needy program” for individuals with significant health needs whose income is too high to otherwise qualify for Medicaid under other eligibility groups.
When do you find out if you are eligible for Medicaid?
Once an individual is determined eligible for Medicaid, coverage is effective either on the date of application or the first day of the month of application. Benefits also may be covered retroactively for up to three months prior to the month of application, if the individual would have been eligible during that period had he or she applied.
What are the requirements to be a Medicaid beneficiary?
Non-Financial Eligibility To be eligible for Medicaid, individuals must also meet certain non-financial eligibility criteria. Medicaid beneficiaries generally must be residents of the state in which they are receiving Medicaid. They must be either citizens of the United States or certain qualified non-citizens, such as lawful permanent residents.
