New Medicaid eligibility and renewal requirements are coming to Iowa and Illinois. Beginning in late 2026 and early 2027, some adults enrolled in state health insurance will face more frequent eligibility reviews and new requirements related to work, education, job training, or community service.
These changes may affect whether you qualify for or can keep your health coverage. The information below explains what to expect, who may be exempt, and steps you can take now to make sure your contact information is up to date and that you are prepared to provide documentation if needed.
What can I do today?
Go to abe.illinois.gov and click “Manage My Case.” Or call 877-805-5312 and check your phone number, email, and home address. Make sure they are correct. This will make sure you get information quickly.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the State of Illinois Medicaid page.
What to Expect
Starting January 1, 2027, everyone between the age of 19 – 64 years of age on state health insurance will need to apply for benefits every 6 months.
You will also need to prove you have worked, volunteered, or attended school for at least 80 hours a month. Before, you applied once a year and did not have to prove those activities. Keeping proof of this now may help you keep your benefits in the future.
When applying or re-applying for benefits you will need at a minimum, documents that prove your:
Exemptions
Some people do not have to do work activities. This is called being “exempt.” Even if you are exempt, you may want to retain proof of activities (Pay Stubs, signed volunteer hour sheets, transcripts, etc…). You are exempt if:
Non-Exempt People
If you are not exempt, you must do 80 hours a month of one of “work activities”. We strongly encourage you to maintain proof of these activities including pay stubs, signed volunteer hour sheets, transcripts, and more. You may need to produce them, even after receiving benefits.
Work activities can include a mix of any of the following:
What can I do today?
Call 1-877-347-5678 or email IMCSC@hhs.iowa.gov to check your phone number, email, and home address. Make sure they are correct. This will make sure you get information quickly.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the State of Iowa Medicaid page.
What to Expect
Starting December 1, 2026 everyone between the age of 19 – 64 years of age on state health insurance will need to apply for benefits every 6 months.
You will also need to prove you have worked, volunteered, or attended school for at least 80 hours a month. Before, you applied once a year and did not have to prove those activities. Keeping proof of this now may help you keep your benefits in the future.
When applying or re-applying for benefits you will need at a minimum, documents that prove your:
Exemptions
Some people do not have to do work activities. This is called being “exempt.” Even if you are exempt, you may want to retain proof of activities (pay stubs, signed volunteer hour sheets, transcripts, etc…). You are exempt if:
Non-Exempt People
If you are not exempt, you must do 80 hours a month of one of “work activities”. We strongly encourage you to maintain proof of these activities including pay stubs, signed volunteer hour sheets, transcripts, and more. You may need to produce them, even after receiving benefits.
Work activities can include a mix of any of the following:
What Can I Do Today?
Go to abe.illinois.gov and click “Manage My Case.” Or call 877-805-5312 and check your phone number, email, and home address. Make sure they are correct. This will make sure you get information quickly.
What will happen at the beginning of next year?
Starting January 1, 2027, you will need to apply for benefits every 6 months. Before, you applied once a year. You may also need to show proof of work, volunteering, school, or income. This will help you keep your benefits.
If you are not exempt, you must do 80 hours a month of one of the following (it can be a mix of all four options):
Exemptions
Some people do not have to do these activities. This is called being “exempt.” You are exempt if:
What can I do today?
Call 1-877-347-5678. Or email IMCSC@hhs.iowa.gov to check your phone number, email, and home address. Make sure they are correct. This will make sure you get information quickly.
What will happen later this year?
Starting December 1, things will change. You will need to apply for benefits every 6 months. Before, you applied once a year. You may also need to show proof of work, volunteering, school, or income. This will help you keep your benefits.
If you are not exempt, you must do 80 hours a month of one of the following (it can be a mix of all four options):
Exemptions
Some people do not have to do these activities. This is called being “exempt.” You are exempt if:
