Illinois Medicaid Income Limits 2026: ACA Adults, AABD and Medicare Savings
Reviewed October 5, 2026. Illinois Medicaid income limits for 2026 are $1,835 a month for a single adult and $2,489 for a two-person household under the ACA Adult program (138% of the federal poverty level), according to the Illinois Department on Aging’s 2026 chart. For people who are aged, blind or disabled (AABD), the limit is $1,330 a month for one person and $1,803 for two (100% FPL), with a $17,500 asset limit. Illinois also adds a $25 income disregard to each category.
Quick answer: Apply online through Illinois ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility) at abe.illinois.gov, or at a local Illinois Department of Human Services Family Community Resource Center. If you have Medicare, Illinois’s Medicare Savings Programs have higher asset limits ($9,950 single, $14,910 couple) than AABD Medicaid.
2026 Illinois Medicaid income limits
| Program | % of FPL | 1 person (monthly) | 2 people (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACA Adult (ages 19-64) | 138% | $1,835 | $2,489 |
| AABD (aged, blind, disabled) | 100% | $1,330 | $1,803 |
| QMB (Medicare Savings Program) | 100% | $1,330 | $1,803 |
| SLMB/SLIB (Medicare Savings Program) | 100-120% | $1,331 to $1,596 | $1,804 to $2,164 |
| QI-1 (Medicare Savings Program) | 120-135% | $1,597 to $1,796 | $2,165 to $2,435 |
Source: Illinois Department on Aging, 2026 Illinois Medicaid Income Standards and Resource Limits. The chart notes these figures don’t include the $25 income disregard Illinois applies to each category, and that the 2026 standards took effect in early April 2026.
ACA Adult limits for larger households
Applying 138% to the 2026 federal poverty guidelines (Federal Register) gives these Medicare365 estimates, which match the state’s figures for one and two people:
| Household size | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $3,142 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,378 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $61,217 |
Illinois Medicaid asset limits
| Program | Asset limit |
|---|---|
| ACA Adult, children and pregnancy Medicaid | No asset test |
| AABD Medical | $17,500 |
| Medicare Savings Programs | $9,950 (single), $14,910 (couple) |
| Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) | $4,655 (single), $6,312 (couple); $25,000 family asset limit |
Illinois’s $17,500 AABD asset limit is much higher than the $2,000 limit many states use, which helps older adults with modest savings qualify. Your home, one car and certain other items usually don’t count.
Nursing home and spousal protections in Illinois (2026)
- Community spouse maintenance needs allowance: $4,066.50 a month
- Spousal resource allowance: $162,660
- Home equity limit: $752,000
These figures come from the same Illinois Department on Aging chart. For how Medicaid pays for long-term care, see Medicaid for nursing home care. Illinois also has a spend down program for people with higher medical bills; see how the Medicaid spend down works.
Medicare Savings Programs in Illinois
According to the Illinois Department on Aging, QMB pays Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance, while SLIB and QI-1 pay the Part B premium. SLIB and QI-1 can be backdated up to three months (Illinois MSP chart). Qualifying for any of them also gets you Extra Help with Part D. Learn more about Medicare Savings Programs.
How to apply for Illinois Medicaid
- Apply online at abe.illinois.gov. See how to sign in to your state Medicaid portal.
- Apply in person at an IDHS Family Community Resource Center.
- Get free help from Illinois’s Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) if you have Medicare.
- Send proof of income, identity and assets if asked.
- Choose a HealthChoice Illinois plan if you’re enrolled in managed care.
Changes in 2027
Federal law adds work requirements and six-month renewals for many ACA Adult enrollees starting around January 1, 2027. People 65 and older and those on Medicare are exempt. Read what the 2025 Medicaid changes mean and how Medicaid renewal works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Illinois in 2026?
$1,835 a month for one adult and $2,489 for two under the ACA Adult program. For aged, blind and disabled Medicaid, $1,330 for one and $1,803 for two. Illinois adds a $25 disregard.
What is the asset limit for Illinois Medicaid?
$17,500 for AABD Medical. The ACA Adult program has no asset test.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Illinois?
Online at abe.illinois.gov or in person at an IDHS Family Community Resource Center.
Can I get Medicaid in Illinois if I have Medicare?
Yes, if you meet AABD rules. Even if you don’t, a Medicare Savings Program may pay your Part B premium.
This article is general information and includes some Medicare365 calculations. It isn’t an eligibility decision. Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by the State of Illinois or any U.S. government agency.