Understanding the Medicaid application form and how to apply for Medicaid in Illinois is a priority for many applicants. It is important to know where to apply for Medicaid in Illinois as well as what information is required on the Medicaid application. To make sure that the Medicaid application process goes as smoothly as possible, it is best to take the time to understand the best way for you to apply. On top of learning how to apply for Illinois Medicaid, it is imperative that you understand what documents you will need to establish that you meet the qualifications for Medicaid enrollment. Applicants often have to provide their birth certification, Social Security information, paperwork from their employer and other documents to prove their citizen or immigration status in addition to submitting the application. If you are wondering how and where to apply for Medicaid in Illinois, continue reading the information below.
Where do you sign up for Medicaid in Illinois?
Residents can apply for Illinois Medicaid online, by mail, via fax or in person. The quickest way is to apply for Medicaid online through a benefits account managed by the state of Illinois. This account can be used to apply online for Medicaid or to check your eligibility for the Medicaid program.
Some applicants may prefer to use the paper application for Medicaid, which is available in both English and Spanish. After printing out and completing the application, it can be mailed, faxed or brought to a local Family Community Resource Center. Applicants can also acquire and fill out the Medicaid application in person at one of these resource centers. There is no central address to send the Medicaid application, so be sure you are mailing your form to the correct resource center. To get help finding where to apply for Medicaid coverage or to have your questions about the application answered, call 800-843-6154.
If you are a parent or guardian applying for medical benefits for your children, please be aware that the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is not a part of the Medicaid program. This means that you may have to follow different application procedures to apply for that program.
Information Required on the Medicaid Application Form in Illinois
Once you have decided how and where to apply for Medicaid benefits, you will need to make sure you are providing the correct information on the application. The Illinois Medicaid application will ask that you give quite a lot of personal details. The Medicaid form will require information regarding:
- Your identity, such as your name, birth date and Social Security Number
- Your income and employer
- Your place of residence
- Your citizen or immigration status
- Policy numbers for any existing health insurance policies
- Health coverage offered by your employer
If you are applying for Medicaid enrollment with your children and spouse, their information will have to be listed on the form as well. To make sure the information you have provided is legitimate, you may be asked to provide certain documents along with your Medicaid application. The Medicaid application form may ask you to give copies of your birth certification, driver’s license or other forms of identification. To verify your income, you may need to submit your W-2 form or recent paystubs. Those who are not citizens of the United States will have to show documentation of their legal resident status with items like their green card.
No matter where you apply for Medicaid, giving false information or documents during the enrollment process is considered benefits fraud. This is a serious criminal offense that can come with jail time. It is best for applicants to give accurate information when applying for government assistance.
For comprehensive information about Medicaid and the application process, download our free guide.
Information Not Required on Illinois Medicaid Applications
The Medicaid application requires a lot of personal information, but some factors you do not have to include. For instance, you will not have to put your parents’ information on the Medicaid application form if you are older than 21 years of age and not filing taxes with them. You also do not have to mention any other adult family member, including if you have a partner you are not married to who is not seeking benefits. Also, children of that partner do not need to be listed on the application. However, the application for Medicaid does require that you give information on all family members who file their taxes with you, such as your dependents. It is valuable to know who is considered a member of the applying household, as the number influences the income limits for Medicaid eligibility..
Learn the Steps to Take After a Medicaid Application Denial in Illinois
Not all applicants who apply for Medicaid online or by other means will be enrolled in the program. Some petitioners who submit a Medicaid application in Illinois will be denied coverage due to eligibility issues or clerical errors. If you were denied Illinois Medicaid, you are allowed to file an appeal. Your information will be viewed once again by the Medicaid program. An appeal will not automatically enroll you in the program but it will give you another chance to be accepted. Check the letter of denial you received in the mail for instructions on filing an appeal.
Learn how to potentially avoid being denied Medicaid coverage by reviewing the requirements in our comprehensive guide..