It assumes that Illinois Medicaid and All Kids will remain basically as now, with only the changes prescribed in the new law. If Illinois makes changes, then, obviously, a new edition of this document will have to be developed.

Using the “Patchwork Quilt”

The place to start is with to find out where a person’s income falls on the Federal Poverty Level.  This is important since eligibility for many programs is based on the amount of income a family has, as well as how near the income is to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (this level changes each year based on inflation).  In other words, you have to find out how poor the individual or family is.  It is best to use the FPL calculator to help find out the percentage of the FPL.  Using the income information, take a look at the ‘Patchwork Quilt’.  This chart helps to guide you through identifying some of the categories individuals have to fall into in order to receive many different types of medical benefits.  The left hand column describes categories of people such as low income households, persons who are aged, blind or disabled, etc.  The top row describes income categories ranging from very low income to ‘able to afford.’

It is possible that we have erred in interpreting the new law, and so this should be regarded as a work in progress.  With those cautions, feel free to use these to help locate health care.