How to Enroll

CountyCare is a no cost Illinois Medicaid managed care health plan for residents of Cook County. This means you will never have copays or deductibles. You must be enrolled in Medicaid to have CountyCare.

To apply for Medicaid, Illinois residents can visit the Application for Benefits Eligibility 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. Click here to learn more about the services and benefits CountyCare provides for our members.

Medicaid basics

What is Medicaid?

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.

Why do I need health insurance?

Health insurance helps cover your medical costs. Medicaid allows you and your family to visit your doctor or specialists for regular checkups and get immediate care in case of an emergency – at no cost to you.

Do I qualify for Medicaid?

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

  1. Be a resident of the State of Illinois
  2. Meet income requirements
  3. Be a US Citizen, or
  4. Meet certain immigration requirements

To learn more and see if you qualify for Medicaid and other benefits, visit the Application for Benefits Eligibility website or call the Cook County Health Application Assistance Call Center at 312-864-8200, option 1.

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