Cook County Leaders Urge Medicaid Members to Prepare for Upcoming Eligibility Changes

Dr. Adriana Frederick (family medicine physician) listens to a patient’s heart at Cook County Health’s Provident Hospital.
Dr. Adriana Frederick (family medicine physician) listens to a patient’s heart at Cook County Health’s Provident Hospital.

Cook County Leaders Urge Medicaid Members to Prepare for Upcoming Eligibility Changes

Major federal changes will cause thousands of Chicago and Cook County residents to lose their Medicaid coverage. 

Cook County leaders are encouraging Medicaid members to learn about upcoming changes to Medicaid eligibility and renewal requirements so they can avoid unnecessary gaps in their health coverage.

While no changes have taken effect yet, important new federal Medicaid rules are scheduled to begin later this year and in 2027. Cook County officials are urging residents, especially immigrant families, to understand what is changing, update their contact information, and seek assistance if they have questions.

"Cook County is committed to ensuring every resident has access to the health care they need," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "As we approach the upcoming Medicaid changes, we want everyone to know that help is available and there are resources to navigate the process. By preparing now and keeping your contact information current, you can avoid unnecessary disruptions in your health coverage. Our message is simple: stay informed, stay connected, and don't wait until it's too late."

What Medicaid Members Should Know

For now, Medicaid members can continue using their health insurance exactly as they do today. However, two significant changes are expected:

Beginning in October 2026: Some immigrants will no longer qualify for Medicaid under new federal eligibility rules. This includes certain refugees, people seeking asylum, and survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking with T visas.

Children under age 19, people who are pregnant or were recently pregnant, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who have lived in the United States for at least five years, and certain Cuban and Haitian entrants will continue to qualify for Medicaid if they otherwise meet eligibility requirements.

Beginning in January 2027: Some adults will be required to demonstrate that they are working, attending school, or participating in qualifying volunteer activities to maintain Medicaid coverage. These individuals will also need to renew their Medicaid every six months instead of once each year.

These requirements generally apply to Medicaid members who:

  • Are between 19 and 64 years old;
  • Do not receive Medicare; and
  • Do not have a dependent child age 18 or younger living in their household.

Some individuals may qualify for exemptions based on health conditions, caregiving responsibilities, or other life circumstances. The State of Illinois will notify affected Medicaid members directly before any action is required.

"Nothing has changed today, and patients should continue using their Medicaid coverage with confidence," said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO of Cook County Health. "Our goal is to make sure every eligible person keeps the health coverage they depend on. Across the country, many people have lost Medicaid simply because they missed paperwork or never received renewal notices. We encourage everyone to prepare now by updating their contact information and learning about these upcoming changes. Taking a few minutes today can help protect your health and your family's future."

Take Action Now

Cook County Health recommends that all Medicaid members:

  • Create or log into their account at abe.illinois.gov and update their mailing address, phone number, and email address OR by calling 877-805-5312.
  • Make sure their doctor's office and Medicaid health plan also have current contact information.
  • Watch for official mail from the State of Illinois regarding Medicaid renewals and eligibility.

Residents with questions or who need assistance can visit GetMedicaidFacts.com, a multilingual resource offering easy-to-understand information, answers to frequently asked questions, and a calendar of free, in-person events where trained staff can help people prepare for Medicaid renewals.

Cook County Health encourages all Medicaid members to act now, even though no immediate changes have taken effect, to ensure they receive important notices and continue receiving the health care they need.

For more information and multilingual resources, visit GetMedicaidFacts.com.

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