Federal Resource Center
New federal rules will change coverage and eligibility for some Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. This webpage provides a brief overview of the changes and a graphic on food resources in Illinois’ 43rd District. To learn more about these changes and whether you or someone you know may be affected, visit The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Service’s (HFS) Medicaid Resource Center or the Illinois Department of Human Service’s (IDHS) SNAP Impact Center.
Medicaid Changes
These new federal rules affect the Affordable Care Act Medicaid eligibility group (“ACA Adults”), who are generally people ages 19 – 64, who don’t have children under 18 at home, and who are not on Medicare.
Timeline
✓ Beginning in 2027, and October 1, 2026, new federal requirements change eligibility for Medicaid and may require some customers to report work.
Work Requirements
✓ Beginning in 2027, federal law requires some adult Medicaid customers to comply with or be exempted from a new 80-hour per month work requirements to maintain eligibility.
✓ For questions about these changes, please visit the HFS website: https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/medicaidguide/changes.html
Eligibility
✓ New federal rules narrow Medicaid eligibility for certain noncitizens. Some noncitizen customers will lose coverage on October 1, 2026.
✓ To maintain eligibility, some Medicaid customers will need to meet work requirements. Check if you qualify for an exemption by visiting: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN
Redeterminations
✓ Redetermination periods increase from every 12-months to every 6-months for some Medicaid customers.
SNAP Changes
These new federal rules affect Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), who are generally people ages between ages 18 – 64, who don’t have dependent children 13 years old or younger at home, and who do not meet a qualifying exemption.
Timeline
✓ Affected customers lose SNAP benefits April 1 and May 1, 2026. Adults who are not exempt or not meeting the Work Requirement are limited to 3 months of SNAP benefits in a fixed 3-year period.
Work Requirements
✓ If you are subject to the SNAP Work Requirements you must meet an average of 20 hours per week (total of 80 hours per month) to maintain eligibility.
✓ Find resources to meet work requirements on the IDHS website: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/?item=177800
Eligibility
✓ New federal rules narrow SNAP eligibility for certain noncitizens. Some noncitizen customers lose SNAP on April 1, 2026.
✓ To maintain eligibility, some SNAP customers will need to meet work requirements. Check if you qualify for an exemption by visiting: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN
Dependents
✓ Under federal law “dependents” only includes children 13 years old and younger who live in your home.
✓ Minors age 17 and younger are exempt from the Work Requirement.
Food Aid in IL-43
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