There is no single legal definition of "low income" in Illinois. Each program sets its own cutoff, and almost all of them for health coverage are tied to the federal poverty guidelines (often called the FPL) published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services each January. This guide shows the numbers that matter when you apply for Medicaid, All Kids, or a Marketplace plan with savings for 2027.
The starting point: 2026 federal poverty guidelines
These figures apply in Illinois and the other 48 contiguous states. Illinois Medicaid uses the current year's guidelines, and Marketplace savings for 2027 plans are also calculated from the 2026 numbers.
| Household size | 100% of FPL (yearly) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 |
| 6 | $44,360 |
For each person beyond eight, add $5,680.
Income cutoffs for Illinois health programs
The table below converts the most common program limits into yearly dollars. They are rounded estimates. The state applies its own rounding and counts income using federal "MAGI" rules (generally your adjusted gross income plus a few items such as untaxed foreign income and tax-exempt interest), so always confirm on the official application.
| Household size | Medicaid, adults 19 to 64 (138%) | Moms & Babies (213%) | All Kids, top tier (318%) | Marketplace savings ceiling (400%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $33,995 | $50,753 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $46,093 | $68,815 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $58,192 | $86,878 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $70,290 | $104,940 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $82,388 | $123,002 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $61,217 | $94,487 | $141,065 | $177,440 |
Medicaid for adults (ACA Adults)
Illinois expanded Medicaid, so adults age 19 to 64 who are not on Medicare can qualify with household income up to 138% of FPL. For a single adult that is roughly $1,835 a month. Parents and caretaker relatives qualify at the same 138% level through FamilyCare.
Federal law adds new rules for this group starting with renewals in 2027. Many ACA Adults without a child under 18 at home will need to show work, school, volunteering, or job training hours (or qualify for an exemption) and will renew every six months instead of once a year. HFS mails notices to people who are affected, so keep your address current.
All Kids and Moms & Babies
Children under 19 can get coverage through All Kids at much higher incomes than adults. The program has four levels:
- All Kids Assist: up to 147% of FPL. No premiums or copays.
- All Kids Share: above 147% up to 157% of FPL. Small copays, no premium.
- Premium Level 1: above 157% up to 209% of FPL. Low monthly premium per child.
- Premium Level 2: above 209% up to 318% of FPL. Higher premium and copays, still well below most private plans.
Pregnant people can qualify for Moms & Babies with income up to 213% of FPL, and the coverage continues after delivery.
Help with Medicare costs
If you have Medicare and limited income, Illinois Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium. The QMB program, which also covers Medicare deductibles and coinsurance, uses a limit of 100% of FPL. SLMB and QI cover the Part B premium for people above 100% and under 135% of FPL. These programs also have asset limits.
Marketplace savings for 2027 plans
If your income is too high for Medicaid, you may get a premium tax credit on a plan from Get Covered Illinois, the state's own marketplace. For 2027 coverage:
- Household income generally must be at least 100% and no more than 400% of FPL. In Illinois, most adults under 138% are routed to Medicaid instead.
- The temporary enhanced credits that removed the 400% ceiling expired at the end of 2025. Above 400% of FPL ($63,840 for one person, $132,000 for a family of four) there is no premium tax credit for 2027.
- The IRS sets how much of your income you are expected to pay toward the benchmark silver plan. For 2027 that ranges from 2.15% of income at the low end to 10.22% for households between 300% and 400% of FPL.
- If your income is at or below 250% of FPL and you pick a silver plan, you may also get cost sharing reductions that lower your deductible and copays.
How does the Illinois minimum wage compare?
Illinois' minimum wage for adult workers has been $15.00 an hour since January 1, 2025, more than double the federal $7.25. A full time job at that wage (40 hours a week, 52 weeks) earns about $31,200 a year before taxes. That is roughly 195% of FPL for a single person, which is above the Medicaid adult limit but well inside the range for Marketplace savings. For a family of four relying on one minimum wage income, $31,200 is below 100% of FPL, so the children would qualify for All Kids Assist and the parents for FamilyCare.
Other definitions you may run into
- Housing programs do not use the FPL. HUD sets income limits as a percentage of the median income in your county or metro area, with "low income" generally meaning 80% of area median income, "very low" 50%, and "extremely low" 30%. Because Chicago area and downstate medians differ, the dollar limits vary by location.
- SNAP, cash assistance, and energy help have their own income and asset tests set by the Illinois Department of Human Services and federal rules. Check the IDHS site or the ABE application for the current figures.
How to apply
Medicaid, All Kids, FamilyCare, and Moms & Babies applications go through the state's ABE portal (abe.illinois.gov). Marketplace plans for 2027 are sold through Get Covered Illinois, and a licensed broker can enroll you there at no extra cost. If you are near a cutoff, it helps to estimate your income carefully: the Marketplace uses projected income for the coverage year, while Medicaid looks at current monthly income.
Talk to an agent
Not sure which program fits your income? Our licensed Illinois agents can check your options and help you enroll.
Questions? Submit a ticket or call us at (312) 726-6565.
Sources: HHS ASPE, 2026 poverty guidelines; Illinois HFS, medical programs; Illinois HFS, All Kids income standards; Illinois HFS, upcoming Medicaid changes; IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26 (2027 applicable percentages); Get Covered Illinois, financial help; HealthCare.gov, cost sharing reductions and 42 U.S.C. 18071; Illinois Department of Labor, minimum wage; HUD income limits.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.