Coverage for noncitizens losing Medicaid

Federal changes taking effect October 1, 2026, will end Medicaid coverage for some noncitizens. If you are losing Medicaid coverage because of these changes, you may be eligible to enroll in a health insurance plan through Get Covered Illinois. Depending on your income, you may also qualify for financial help to lower the cost of your health plan.

For affected individuals, a special enrollment period is available from October 1 through December 31, 2026 allowing you to have health insurance through the end of the year.  If you enroll after October 1, you can choose to have your coverage start as early as October 1. This means your new marketplace health plan can cover you starting when your Medicaid coverage ended, helping you avoid a gap in health insurance.

Not sure if you’re losing Medicaid? Contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services at 1-800-843-6154 to confirm your Medicaid status.

Lost Medicaid coverage? Start or complete an application through Get Covered Illinois to see if you qualify for coverage and financial help.

Have questions about Get Covered Illinois? Call the Get Covered Illinois customer assistance center at 1-866-311-1119 or contact a certified Get Covered Illinois navigator for free help with your application and coverage options.

Stay up to date on federal changes. Illinois is required to implement federal policies, and new changes will continue to affect noncitizen groups.

• Get Covered Illinois’ annual open enrollment period is from November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Individuals who enroll in this special enrollment period will be auto-renewed into the same plan if it’s available for coverage beginning January 1, 2027. However, due to federal changes, only certain noncitizens will remain eligible for financial help. Noncitizens can cancel your plan without penalty. 

• Starting January 1, 2027, only the following groups will remain eligible for financial help through Get Covered Illinois.
  • Lawful permanent resident
  • Cuban and Haitian entrants​
  • Citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau

• Noncitizens who receive premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, who are applying for admission or green card status, may be impacted by the public charge federal rule change. If you think the public charge rule may affect you, Get Covered Illinois encourages you to speak with a knowledgeable immigration legal service provider or legal aid organization for help.