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Keeping My Care

Your health is important. Most of you need to renew once a year. But for a few who received Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you will need to do more starting in 2027.

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Don't Risk Losing Your Medicaid

ACA Medicaid Members

Who Is Affected?

There are new federal updates called H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These changes will affect ACA Medicaid members.

Medicaid members who joined through ACA are those who meet these requirements:

  • Adults ages 19-64
  • Not pregnant or postpartum
  • Do not receive Medicare
  • Do not have dependent children ages 18 or younger living at home

What is Changing?

Starting January 1, 2027, ACA Medicaid members may need to:

  • Renew their Medicaid coverage every six months instead of every 12 months.

You may also need to report:

  • 80 hours/month of work or community service
  • 80 hours/month of work program participation
  • Enrolled in school full or part time
  • Income of $580/month or more
  • Seasonal work with earnings of $580 a month averaged over six months

What Should I Do Now?

The changes go into effect January 1, 2027, but you can act now:

  • Update your contact information today at abe.illinois.gov.
  • Click Manage My Case. Updating your contact info does not mean your benefits are changing.
  • Call HFS: 1-877-805-5312 (TTY: 711)
  • Visit the HFS website to learn more about upcoming changes.

Make sure HFS has your current mailing address, email and phone number. That way you don’t risk missing a notice and lose your coverage.

Non-ACA Medicaid Members

Most of you are non-ACA Medicaid members. To complete your renewal, follow these steps:

  1. Click Manage My Case at abe.illinois.gov .
    Make an account and login at abe.illinois.gov . Online is the best way to connect.
  2. Check your address.
    If you use Medicaid, keep your address up to date. Click Manage My Case at abe.illinois.gov . You can check your address under Contact Us.
  3. Find your due date.
    Check your Benefit Details tab at abe.illinois.gov. For reminders of when it’s time to renew: Opt-in for text and email alerts in the Account Management tab. This tab can be found under Manage your communications preferences.
  4. Watch your mail.
    HFS will mail you a notice. The notice will tell you if you need to complete a renewal form. If you have to renew, you will get a renewal notice a month before it is due.
  5. Complete your Medicaid renewal right away.
    If your letter says you need to renew your Medicaid, fill out and submit your form. You need to complete it before the due date to avoid losing your Medicaid.
    Submit your Medicaid renewal:
    → Click Manage My Case at abe.illinois.gov.
    → Mail or fax your form as stated in the letter.
    → Call HFS at 1-866-255-5437 (TTY: 1-877-204-1012).

Look Out for Scams.

Illinois will never ask you for money to renew or apply for Medicaid. Report scams to the fraud report website . You can also report scams by calling the Medicaid fraud hotline. Call 1-844-453-7283 (1-844-ILFRAUD).

Need Help With Your Renewal?

If you need help with renewing your Medicaid, go to the abe.illinois.gov website. Or You can also call the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Online Help

Visit abe.illinois.gov.
Click Manage My Case.

Get Help by Phone

ACA Medicaid:  1-877-805-5312 (TTY: 711)

Non-ACA Medicaid: 1-866-255-5437 (TTY: 1-877-204-1012)

What If I'm Not Eligible for Medicaid?

If you aren’t eligible for Medicaid, it is important to quickly get other health insurance. This will help you avoid a lapse in coverage.

You often have 30-60 days to enroll in a new plan. This is called a "Special Enrollment Period.”

You can ask your employer if a health plan is offered. You can also visit getcovered.illinois.gov. You can use this website to shop for quality, affordable  coverage supplied under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Get Covered Illinois®

Get Covered Illinois is the official ACA Health Insurance Marketplace for the state of Illinois. It helps you shop plans that  fit your needs and budget. Health plans offered on the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace cover pre-existing health issues and essential health benefits. This may include preventive care and mental health services.

Visit getcovered.illinois.gov for more information, free enrollment support, and to find out if you can get financial help. Most people who enroll in health coverage through Get Covered Illinois qualify for financial help.

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CONTACT US

Need Help?

If you have questions about your plan, we can help. To ask about what the plan covers, find a provider, change your PCP and more, just call us. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members with hearing or speech loss can call the TTY/TDD line at 711.