This is our section on all of the Illinois government health programs available to assist people either get access to health insurance or to health care.
This specific page is a brief overview of some of the programs available including Medicaid, Disabilities health care programs etc.
Medicaid
Aid to the Aged, Blind & Disabled or AABD
(Updated rounding errors for 2009 on 3/09)
Medical assistance for the older adults (aged 65 or older), the blind, or the disabled. This program is often used to finance nursing home care after an individual’s life savings have been exhausted. Use the following link to view eligibility information for immigrants and foreign nationals. All SSI income is disregarded. Any non-SSI income over the limits will be counted as a spend down amount. Apply at a county office of the Illinois Dept. of Human Services.
1 person household, limit are $928 income per month, $2,000 .
2 person household, limits are $1,239 income per month, $3,000 .
Add $311 for each additional person.
The monthly income limits represent 100% of the poverty level plus $25 which is disregarded income in Illinois.
These figures change in March 2010.
Use this link to view the DHS Cash, Food Stamps, & Medical Manual.
Prevention of Spousal Impoverishment
(Updated for 2010 on 12/09)
The amount of monthly income and assets that a person can keep when their spouse enters a long term care nursing home or needs the services of the Illinois Community Care Program (CCP) and federal financial assistance is used to help pay for these services. Illinois imposes estate recovery (liens and estate claims) to recover medical and cash assistance provided on behalf of recipients. Apply at a county office of the Illinois Dept. of Human Services.
The spouse living at-home (or not receiving CCP services) keeps up to $2,739 income per month and up to $109,560 of countable assets in their name (same as 2009).
The spouse in a nursing home keeps $30 income per month and can have $2,000 of countable assets in their name.
The spouse receiving Community Care Program services can have $2,000 of countable assets in their name (same as 2009).
Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities
or HBWD
(Updated for 2009 on 2/09)
Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) is a Medicaid Program that has allowed many individuals with disabilities in Illinois to become employed without losing critical affordable healthcare. Enrollees in HBWD pay a monthly premium depending on income and family size. In order to qualify for HBWD, an individual must be at least 16 years of age and under 65, meet the Social Security definition of disability, except that the ability to work and earn more than the Substantial Gainful activity amount shall not be part of the disability determination process, and be employed, which is defined as proof of payment of FICA, IMRF, or the equivalent. Apply by calling the hotline at 
1.800.226.0768
or online.
1 person household, $3,159 income per month, $25,000
2 person household, $4,250 income per month, $25,000
The monthly income limits are 350% of the poverty level.
These figures change in March 2010.
Illinois Rx Buying Club
(Updated for 2009 on 2/09)
Illinois Rx Buying Club is for all Illinois residents who are uninsured. The Illinois Rx Buying Club card will save members an average of 24 percent on their prescription drug purchases when they purchase drugs from a preferred drug list (virtually all prescribed drugs).
- There is an annual $10 fee for the savings card.
- An application is available online by using this link.
1 person household, $2,708 income per month.
2 person household, $3,643 income per month.
Add $935 for each additional person in household.
The monthly income limits are 300% of the poverty level.
Veteran’s Care
(Added 11/06)
This program provides comprehensive and affordable healthcare coverage to uninsured Illinois veterans. Covers doctor and clinic visits, hospital inpatient and outpatient care, lab tests, x-rays, prescription drugs, vision care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health, and emergency medical transportation. It does not cover nursing home stays or transportation for medical care that is not for an emergency.
Must be:
- a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, have been honorably discharged, and a resident of Illinois aged 19 through age 64, and
- uninsured for at least the last six months prior to application, do not qualify for VA healthcare, do not qualify for any other Illinois healthcare program.
Income meets the guidelines at this link (varies by county of residence).
Apply at any Illinois Veterans office.
