Welcome to the Aunt Martha’s Illinois Medicaid Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) library. Get answers to common questions about Illinois Medicaid updates, renewal requirements, and official notice instructions. Aunt Martha’s is dedicated to helping our communities stay informed, protect their coverage, and stay connected to care.
Please note: Aunt Martha’s is a health and wellness provider and cannot determine Medicaid eligibility. All eligibility and coverage decisions are managed directly by Illinois Medicaid. If you need to update your information immediately, visit abe.illinois.gov or call 877-805-5312.
Getting Started with Illinois Medicaid Changes
Federal law requires states to make changes to some Medicaid eligibility and renewal processes over the next several years. Some changes are scheduled to begin in October 2026 and January 2027. Not everyone will be affected. Illinois Medicaid will contact people directly if action is needed.
Make sure Illinois Medicaid has your current address, phone number, and email address. Then continue opening and reading all official notices.
Many people Aunt Martha’s serves rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage. The goal is to help people stay informed, understand official notices, and stay connected to care.
No. Some Medicaid members may not be affected by future changes. Illinois Medicaid will notify people directly if action is needed.
Illinois Medicaid may contact you through mail, phone, email, or other official communications. That is why keeping your contact information current is important.
Updating Your Medicaid Contact Information
Illinois Medicaid uses your contact information to send important notices and instructions. If your information is outdated, you could miss important communications.
Make sure Illinois Medicaid has your current address, phone number, and email address.
Visit abe.illinois.gov or call 877-805-5312.
Update your address, phone number, and email with Illinois Medicaid as soon as possible. Continue opening all mail from Illinois Medicaid and your health plan.
No. Updating your contact information does not automatically change your benefits. It helps ensure Illinois Medicaid can reach you if action is needed.
Understanding Official Illinois Medicaid Notices
A Medicaid notice is an official communication that may contain important information, instructions, deadlines, or requests related to your coverage.
Notices may come from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), Illinois Medicaid, HealthChoice Illinois, or your specific Medicaid health plan.
Open it right away, read it carefully, check for any deadlines, and follow the instructions provided. Be sure to ask questions before the deadline if you need help.
Open and review it anyway. Do not ignore an official notice without reading it first.
Read it carefully and ask questions before any stated deadline. You can also bring the notice directly to an appointment if you need help understanding it.
Yes. Keep copies of important notices and related documents whenever possible for your records.
Read the notice carefully and contact the specific organization listed on the notice as soon as possible.
What is HealthChoice Illinois?
HealthChoice Illinois is Illinois’ Medicaid managed care program. Many people use the terms Medicaid, HealthChoice Illinois, medical card, or their health plan name interchangeably.
HealthChoice Illinois is part of Illinois Medicaid. Many Medicaid members receive services through HealthChoice Illinois plans.
Illinois Medicaid Renewal Process & Schedules
A renewal is a review process used to determine whether coverage can continue. Illinois Medicaid will provide instructions if action is needed.
Renewal schedules may vary. Always review official notices for instructions specific to your situation.
Federal law includes changes that may affect renewal processes for some Medicaid members. Illinois Medicaid will provide official guidance before action is required.
Read it carefully and complete any requested actions before the deadline.
New Medicaid Work Requirements & Exemptions
Federal law includes new requirements that may apply to some adults enrolled through Medicaid expansion. Illinois Medicaid will provide official guidance before implementation.
Requirements depend on individual circumstances. Illinois Medicaid will contact affected individuals and provide instructions if action is needed.
Illinois Medicaid determines eligibility, exemptions, and requirements. Review official guidance and notices carefully.
Future requirements depend on individual circumstances. Watch for official guidance from Illinois Medicaid.
Medicaid Eligibility Changes for Immigrant Populations
Federal law includes changes that may affect eligibility rules for some immigrant populations beginning in October 2026. Illinois Medicaid will provide official guidance as implementation approaches.
No. Rules vary depending on individual circumstances. Watch for official notices and guidance.
Illinois Medicaid will provide official guidance and notices if action is needed.
Medicaid Steps for Parents & Young Adults (19+)
Encourage them to keep their contact information updated with Illinois Medicaid, open all official notices, respond before any stated deadlines, and ask questions immediately if they receive a notice.
Young adults may receive Medicaid communications directly. Keeping their information current helps ensure they receive these important notices and can protect their coverage continuity.
How to Get Trusted Help with Your Medicaid Case
No. Illinois Medicaid determines eligibility. Aunt Martha’s can help connect you with trusted information and resources.
No. Coverage decisions are made by Illinois Medicaid based on individual circumstances.
Trusted sources include the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), Illinois Medicaid, HealthChoice Illinois, ABE Illinois, and Aunt Martha’s Medicaid Resource Center.
Do not ignore it. Read it carefully and ask questions before any stated deadline.
Visit the Spanish version of the Medicaid Resource Center or contact the organization listed on your notice for language assistance.
Healthcare Care Continuity & Coverage Gaps
Stay connected to care. Coverage questions should not become care gaps. Talk with your healthcare provider and ask questions as early as possible.
Not necessarily. Read the notice carefully and seek clarification if needed.
Update your contact information, open every official notice, ask questions before deadlines, and stay connected to care.
