Medicaid entitlement for 20 - FY 2026 - T19

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services awarded the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services $4.214 billion in Medicaid entitlement funding under the Grants to States for Medicaid program (CFDA 93.778) on October 1, 2025, for the period ending September 30, 2026.

The funding supports medical assistance payments on behalf of cash assistance recipients, children, pregnant women, the aged, and other categorically-eligible groups in Illinois who meet income and resource requirements. The state may also cover medically-needy persons who would qualify for cash assistance except for income and resources. Financial assistance is available for Medicare premiums, copayments, and deductibles for qualified Medicare beneficiaries within specified income thresholds.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the state's single Medicaid agency, administers this entitlement as part of its broader portfolio managing healthcare and family support programs for low-income, elderly, and disabled residents across Illinois. Performance occurs statewide. Awards are made quarterly on October 1, January 1, April 1, and July 1 based on state estimates of funds needed to provide medical assistance. Individuals receive care from participating Medicaid providers and retain eligibility as long as they qualify under state requirements.