If you’re applying for Illinois Medicaid in 2026, your household income decides which program you qualify for. Illinois doesn’t use one single income cutoff. Instead, each Medicaid group — adults, children, seniors, and pregnant individuals — has its own monthly limit.
For example, a single adult can earn up to $1,835 a month and still qualify for ACA Adult Medicaid. A family of four applying for All Kids Assist can earn up to $8,745 a month. These numbers are tied to the 2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and are updated every year.
This guide breaks down every major Illinois Medicaid income limit for 2026, by household size and program type, using figures confirmed in official Illinois state documents.
Last updated: July 2026
Article Summary
- ACA Adults (ages 19–64) qualify with income up to $1,835/month for one person, or $3,795/month for a family of four.
- All Kids Assist covers children with no asset limit, up to $8,745/month for a family of four.
- Pregnant individuals (Moms & Babies) qualify with income up to $5,857/month for a family of four, effective March 1, 2026.
- Seniors and people with disabilities (AABD) qualify with income up to $1,330/month for one person, plus a $17,500 asset limit.
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI-1) help cover Medicare costs for people with limited income and resources.
- All limits are based on the 2026 Federal Poverty Level and change once a year.
What Is Illinois Medicaid?
Illinois Medicaid is a health coverage program for people with low or moderate income. It’s jointly funded by the state and federal government. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) manages it.
Medicaid isn’t one program. It’s several, grouped by who you are — a child, a pregnant person, a senior, or a working-age adult. Each group has its own income rule. That’s why two people in the same household can qualify for different Medicaid categories.
Federal vs. State Rules
The federal government sets the baseline rules and pays a share of the cost. Illinois then sets its own income limits within federal guidelines. This is why Medicaid income limits vary from state to state — a household that qualifies in Illinois might not qualify the same way in a neighboring state.
If you’re comparing options, this guide to Medicaid income limits by state in 2026 shows how Illinois stacks up against other states.
2026 Illinois Medicaid Income Limits by Program
Below is the core “Monthly Income Limit Chart 2026” used by Illinois Medicaid programs. These figures come directly from Illinois HFS-linked eligibility guides.
| Family Size | All Kids Assist | AABD | ACA Adult | Family Care | Moms & Babies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,229 | $1,330 | $1,835 | $1,835 | — |
| 2 | $5,734 | $1,803 | $2,488 | $2,488 | $3,841 |
| 3 | $7,239 | $2,276 | $3,141 | $3,141 | $4,849 |
| 4 | $8,745 | $2,750 | $3,795 | $3,795 | $5,857 |
| 5 | $10,250 | $3,223 | $4,448 | $4,448 | $6,865 |
| 6 | $11,755 | $3,696 | $5,101 | $5,101 | $7,873 |
These limits change every year based on the federal poverty level. None of the programs above charge a co-payment or premium.
ACA Adult Medicaid (Ages 19–64)
ACA Adult Medicaid covers adults who don’t qualify through disability, pregnancy, or age. Illinois sets this limit at 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. There’s no asset test for this group — only income counts.
To qualify in 2026, a single adult must earn $1,835 a month or less. A household of four can earn up to $3,795 a month.
All Kids Assist (Children Through Age 18)
All Kids Assist covers medical care for children up to age 18. Illinois sets a higher income limit for kids than for adults, and there’s no asset limit for the family.
A household of one qualifies with income up to $4,229 a month. A family of four can earn up to $8,745 a month. Children don’t need to be U.S. citizens to qualify, though some non-citizen rules apply.
Family Care (Parents and Caretaker Relatives)
Family Care covers parents or caretaker relatives raising a child under 18. The income limits match the ACA Adult chart above. Like ACA Adult coverage, there’s no asset limit, but applicants generally must be U.S. citizens or meet specific non-citizen requirements.
Moms & Babies (Pregnant and Postpartum Coverage)
Moms & Babies covers pregnant individuals during pregnancy and for 12 months after birth. It also covers the baby for the first 12 months. This program has some of the highest income limits in Illinois Medicaid, since pregnancy-related coverage prioritizes access over strict income testing.
Illinois HFS confirmed updated limits in a provider notice effective March 1, 2026, based on the new Federal Poverty Level figures. A household of two now qualifies with income up to $3,841 a month, and a household of four qualifies up to $5,857 a month. For households larger than eight people, add $1,008 a month for each additional person.
AABD (Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled)
AABD is Illinois’ regular Medicaid category for seniors age 65 and older, and for people who are blind or disabled. Unlike the programs above, AABD has both an income limit and an asset limit.
A single applicant qualifies with income up to $1,330 a month. The asset limit is $17,500 for a single person or a couple. Your home and one vehicle don’t count toward that asset limit.
Medicare Savings Programs in Illinois (2026)
Medicare Savings Programs help people who have Medicare pay for premiums, deductibles, and copays. These programs are run through Medicaid, but they’re separate from full Medicaid coverage. There are three levels, based on income.
A quick note before the table: these figures do not include the standard $25 monthly income disregard that Illinois applies when calculating eligibility.
| Household Size | QMB (100% FPL) | SLMB | QI-1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,330/month | $1,331–$1,596/month | $1,597–$1,796/month |
| 2 people | $1,803/month | $1,804–$2,164/month | $2,165–$2,435/month |
The 2026 resource limit for Medicare Savings Programs is $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for two or more people. This is separate from the AABD asset limit above. Illinois DHS posts the exact final figures each April, since they’re based on that year’s federal poverty guidelines.
QMB vs. SLMB vs. QI-1: What’s the Difference?
QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) covers the most costs, including premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) only covers the Medicare Part B premium. QI-1 (Qualified Individual) also covers just the Part B premium, but it’s for people with slightly higher income than SLMB allows.
How the 2026 Federal Poverty Level Affects Illinois Medicaid
Every Illinois Medicaid income limit is tied to a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level, published each year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ACA Adults qualify at 138% of the FPL. AABD and QMB use 100% of the FPL. Illinois converts these percentages into fixed monthly dollar amounts, which is what you see in the charts above.
Because the FPL updates annually, Illinois Medicaid income limits typically increase slightly each year. Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) posts exact updated figures each April.
If you’re unsure which program fits your household, a Medicaid eligibility calculator for 2026 can help you estimate your qualification before you apply.
Long-Term Care Medicaid: What’s Still Unclear for 2026
For nursing home care and home- and community-based service (HCBS) waivers, Illinois has not published a single, clearly labeled 2026 calendar-year income limit chart as of this update. Some multi-state planning resources list Illinois long-term care limits in the range of roughly $1,304 to $1,762 a month, but those figures cover an April 2025–March 2026 period and are not sourced from an Illinois government publication.
If you’re planning for long-term care Medicaid, don’t rely on third-party estimates alone. Contact Illinois HFS directly or speak with a local Department of Human Services office to confirm current figures for your situation.
How to Apply for Illinois Medicaid
Applying takes a few steps, whether you do it online, by phone, or in person.
- Apply online through the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) system at ABE.illinois.gov.
- Apply by phone by calling the Illinois DHS Help Line at (800) 843-6154.
- Apply in person at your local DHS Family Community Resource Center. Use the DHS Office Locator to find the nearest one in your county.
- Gather documents first, including proof of income, household size, and Illinois residency, to speed up processing.
- Wait for a determination. Illinois typically processes Medicaid applications within 45 days, or 90 days if a disability determination is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Illinois in 2026?
It depends on the program. A single adult qualifies for ACA Adult Medicaid up to $1,835 a month. Children, pregnant individuals, and seniors each have their own separate limits.
Does Illinois Medicaid have an asset limit?
Most programs, like ACA Adult, All Kids Assist, and Family Care, have no asset limit. AABD, for seniors and people with disabilities, has a $17,500 asset limit.
When do Illinois Medicaid income limits update each year?
Illinois Department of Human Services typically posts new figures each April, based on the updated Federal Poverty Level guidelines released that year.
How do I apply for Illinois Medicaid?
Apply online at ABE.illinois.gov, by phone at (800) 843-6154, or in person at a local DHS Family Community Resource Center.
What if my income changes after I’m approved?
Report income changes to Illinois DHS as soon as they happen. This helps avoid overpayments or a gap in your coverage later.
Can I qualify for Medicaid and Medicare at the same time in Illinois?
Yes. Medicare Savings Programs like QMB and SLMB help people with Medicare who have limited income pay for premiums and other costs.
Where to Verify These Illinois Medicaid Rules
Illinois Medicaid income limits come from Illinois HFS provider notices and Illinois DHS eligibility documents. You can confirm current figures directly through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services or the Illinois Department on Aging’s Medicaid income standards.
For a broader look at what Medicaid actually covers and how eligibility works nationwide, see this overview of Medicaid eligibility in 2026. And if you’re a provider trying to understand reimbursement rates, check the 2026 Medicaid fee schedule for current payment details.
Next Steps
Not sure which Illinois Medicaid program fits your household? Compare your monthly income to the chart above, then apply through ABE.illinois.gov or call the DHS Help Line to confirm your eligibility before you submit an application.
