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Health & Fitness

Cook County Expands Medicaid

A major feature of the Affordable Care Act, which takes effect on January 1, 2014, is the expansion of Medicaid for those individuals who do not earn enough to purchase private insurance but who do not qualify for Illinois’s state Medicaid program.

Cook County received permission to start the Medicaid expansion program, called County Care, in 2013, which they have done.

To qualify for County Care the individual must:

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  • Live in Cook County
  • Be 19-64 years old
  • Have income at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level ($14,856 individual, $20,123 couple – annually)
  • Not be eligible for “state Plan” Medicaid (parent, pregnant, blind or receiving disability income)
  • Not be eligible for Medicare
  • Be a legal immigrant for five years or more or a US citizen
  • Have a Social Security number or have applied for one

The following link provides information on how to apply and what services are covered:

http://www.cookcountyhhs.org/patient-services/county-care/#two

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The expansion of Medicaid is a major component of the Affordable Care Act. It will provide access to medical care for those who have no health insurance and do not have the resources to purchase private insurance.

If you know anyone who resides in Cook County who may qualify for this program, please pass on this information to them.

 

Ron K.



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