Free Health Insurance in Illinois: What You Need to Know

If you live in Illinois and are in need of health insurance, you may be wondering if there are any options for free or low-cost coverage. The good news is that there are several programs available to help individuals and families get the health care they need without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll explore some of the free health insurance options in Illinois and answer some frequently asked questions about eligibility and enrollment.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a government-funded program that provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families. In Illinois, the program is called Medicaid, but it may be referred to by other names in other states. To be eligible for Medicaid in Illinois, you must meet certain income and other requirements. Children, pregnant women, parents, and adults without children may all be eligible for Medicaid depending on their income.

If you are eligible for Medicaid, you will not have to pay a monthly premium for your health insurance coverage. However, you may have to pay some out-of-pocket costs for certain services, such as doctor’s visits or prescription drugs. These costs are based on your income and are designed to be affordable for low-income individuals and families.

How do I apply for Medicaid?

To apply for Medicaid in Illinois, you can either apply online or by mail. You will need to provide some personal and financial information, such as your income and household size, to determine your eligibility. You can also get help with the application process by contacting a local Medicaid office or a community organization that provides enrollment assistance.

What if I am not eligible for Medicaid?

If you are not eligible for Medicaid, there are still other options available for free or low-cost health insurance in Illinois. You may be able to enroll in one of the following programs:

Program
Description
Family Health Plan
A program that provides health insurance to individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. You may have to pay a small monthly premium based on your income.
All Kids
A program that provides health insurance to children under the age of 19 who do not have insurance. There are no monthly premiums for this program.
Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
A program that provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up care to eligible women. If you are diagnosed with cancer, you may also be eligible for Medicaid coverage.

What is the Affordable Care Act?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a federal law that was enacted in 2010 to expand access to health insurance coverage. Under the ACA, individuals and families can purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, which may offer subsidies based on income to help make coverage more affordable.

Illinois has its own Health Insurance Marketplace, called Get Covered Illinois. Through Get Covered Illinois, you can compare and purchase health insurance plans from private insurers. You may also be eligible for financial assistance to help lower your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

How do I enroll in health insurance through the Marketplace?

To enroll in health