Confirmed change for immigrants in Illinois: Who will lose Medicaid from October 1

Illinois will tighten Medicaid eligibility for some immigrants from October 1, when the current coverage format officially expires. People who do not meet the new definitions will lose full medical coverage under the changes linked to federal law H.R.1.

The state Department of Healthcare and Family Services will send beneficiaries notices by mail explaining their coverage status. The letters will include a formal request for affected recipients to submit updated immigration information within 90 days.

Health authorities recommend that users attend medical appointments and collect prescribed medicines before September 30. The advice aims to prevent abrupt interruptions to ongoing treatment during the transition.

Immigrants who lose full Medicaid coverage will retain access to qualified emergency care. Emergency Medicaid will directly cover urgent hospital costs for people who meet the applicable income and residency limits. They may also seek free medical care at Illinois community health centers, which provide primary care regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

The federal reforms also introduce mandatory work requirements for eligible adults between 19 and 64 who have no minor dependents in their household. People in that coverage group will renew their benefits every six months instead of annually, while state offices review their income records twice a year.