Due to new policies out of D.C., a number of changes will be coming over the coming months that could impact you, depending on your immigration status, work/school/volunteer qualifications, and more. You will begin to learn more from Illinois in the coming weeks and be prepared to take action to make sure your Illinois Medicaid policy is protected.

Yes, starting January 1, 2027, many people enrolled in Illinois Medicaid through the “Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid eligibility group Adults (“ACA Adults”)” ages 19 through 64 will be subject to new federal requirements.

You can check your Medicaid notice or log in to ABE’s Manage My Case account and look at your “Medical Group” under your benefit information. If you see “ACA,” you are in the ACA Adult group. You can also call HFS at 1-877-805-5312 and ask which Medicaid group you are enrolled in.

Illinois began sending information to potentially affected members in September 2026 and will continue communicating through mailed notices, Manage My Case, and text messages for people who are signed up for texts. Make sure your contact information and communication preferences are up to date in your Manage My Case account so you receive the notice. These notices are easy to miss, so sign up for notifications from Keep Your Care and we’ll send you a reminder as deadlines approach.

The new work requirements will go into effect beginning January 1, 2027. If you apply for Illinois Medicaid after December 31, 2026, the new requirements will apply to you. Individuals up for renewal in 2027 will be required to come into compliance with work requirements at their scheduled renewal date. When individuals are up for renewal, the state will either renew based on existing data or request information from the individual to support their renewal. Illinois Medicaid will check every 6 months, when your Medicaid is renewed. You must meet the requirement for 1 out of 6 months leading up to each renewal. If you do not, you will lose your Medicaid coverage. If you do not have Medicaid and are applying for it, you must meet this rule for 1 month before you apply to get coverage. Sign up for updates and we’ll notify you as deadlines approach.

A full list of exemptions can be found on the HFS website, but some people are automatically exempt, including: children 18 years old or younger, parents or caregivers of children 13 and under, people with disabilities, pregnant people or those within 12 months of the end of a pregnancy, and those 65 and older. If you fall into any of these categories, it is recommended that you check the HFS website for more information.

Illinois Medicaid will first use information it already has to determine whether you meet the work requirements or qualify for an exemption. If Illinois Medicaid cannot verify this information, enrollees will need to document a qualifying exemption; at least 80 hours per month of employment, job training, and/or volunteering; attend school half-time; or earn at least $580 a month (you only need to meet one).

Illinois Medicaid will check every 6 months, when your Medicaid is renewed. You must meet the requirement for 1 out of 6 months leading up to each renewal. If you do not, you will lose your Medicaid coverage. If you do not have Medicaid and are applying for it, you must meet this rule for 1 month before you apply to get coverage.

ABE is Illinois’ official portal to apply for Medicaid and update your account. You can also call HFS at 1-877-805-5312 for help with your Medicaid coverage. You can also sign up with Keep Your Care and we’ll keep you up to date as deadlines approach.