Join or Renew

CountyCare is a top-rated Illinois Medicaid managed care health plan exclusively for residents of Cook County. You must be enrolled in Medicaid to have CountyCare.

How to Apply for Medicaid

To apply for Medicaid, Illinois residents can visit the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) website to start the health care coverage application. Or, call Cook County Health Application Assistance Call Center at 312-864-8200 / 855-444-1661 (toll-free) / 711 (TDD/TTY), option 1.

Once you’re approved and enrolled in Medicaid, you may be able to choose CountyCare as your health plan. Illinois Client Enrollment Services will send you an enrollment packet that explains your choices and how to select your health plan.

Medicaid Qualifications

Medicaid is a state and federal program that pays for your health care. Services funded through Medicaid include doctors’ visits, hospital care, vision, dental and prescription coverage.

To qualify for HealthChoice Illinois, the statewide Medicaid managed care program, you can apply any time and you must:

  • Be a resident of the State of Illinois
  • Meet income requirements
  • Be a US Citizen, or
  • Meet certain immigration requirements

Redetermination (Renewal)

Redetermination is a review of your eligibility for Medicaid. It is how the State of Illinois determines if you are still eligible for coverage. You must complete your redetermination forms when it is time and return them to the state or you could lose your Medicaid coverage.

Open Enrollment

Once a year on your anniversary date, Medicaid members can change health plans during a specific time called “open enrollment.” You will receive a letter in the mail from the State of Illinois letting you know how to select your health plan. If you’re already a CountyCare member and want to stay a member, you don’t have to do anything. You will be automatically re-enrolled in CountyCare.

You will have at least 60 days from when you receive your letter to choose your plan. Once you pick your plan, you will not be able to change it for one year. Remember, if you’re already a CountyCare member and want to stay a member, you don’t have to do anything.

Why Choose CountyCare?

If you are a current CountyCare member or thinking about becoming a CountyCare member, your health is our top priority. Our members have access to a wide range of health services and expert care at more than 6,600 primary care providers, 26,000 specialists and 70 hospitals throughout Cook County.

Choosing CountyCare is choosing a plan that understands.

Have questions?

If you want to learn more about CountyCare or have questions about applying for Medicaid, open enrollment or redetermination, call Member Services at 312-864-8200

English