Health and Mental Health

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Taking care of your body and your mind is never selfish. It's how you keep going for yourself and the people who love you. I'm so glad you're here.

Here is the easy first step: if you need a doctor and money is tight, look up a community health center near you. They see people with or without insurance. And if you're hurting inside right now, you can call or text 988 any time.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise care, coverage or a spot in any program.
• This guide is not medical advice. For questions about your health, talk with a doctor or nurse.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

Where can I see a doctor if I don't have insurance?

Community health centers are a great place to start. HRSA says health centers serve people with limited or no health insurance, and many use a sliding fee scale based on income.

That means the less you earn, the less you pay.

The federal Find a Health Center tool from HRSA shows centers near you by ZIP code. HRSA says it funds about 1,400 health centers that run more than 16,200 service sites.

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Your county health department can help

If you don't know where to start, dial 211 and ask for a community clinic or your county health department near you. They can tell you what's close by. Easy peasy!

How do I apply for Medicaid in Illinois?

In Illinois, Medicaid is run by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), and you apply through IDHS. HFS says people who may qualify include pregnant women, children under 19, adults ages 19 to 64 with limited income, seniors 65 and older, people with disabilities, and foster children.

Income limits and immigration status rules apply.

• HFS says it can be hard to tell if you qualify, so if you need Medicaid, the best thing to do is apply. There's no penalty for applying, even if you're not found eligible.
• Apply online at ABE, https://abe.illinois.gov/ The same site lets you manage your case and renew.
• For where to apply, call 1.800.843.6154, or go to an IDHS Family Community Resource Center.
• Questions about medical benefits? Call the Health Benefits Hotline at 1.866.468.7543 (TTY 1.877.204.1012).

Sources: https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/medicaidguide/apply.html and https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/medicaidguide/help.html and https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients.html

What changes to Medicaid should I know about?

New federal rules are changing Medicaid in Illinois. HFS says these changes come from federal law, not from the state.

Here is what HFS says, as of October 17, 2026.

• Some noncitizens lose full Medicaid on October 1, 2026. Groups like refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, and survivors of domestic violence or trafficking no longer qualify for federally funded Medicaid, though they may still get Emergency Medicaid.
• Groups that keep coverage include citizens, green card holders who have met or are exempt from the five year wait, children under 19 (All Kids), pregnant people (Moms and Babies), and people already enrolled in Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors.
• Did your status change, or are you pregnant? HFS asks you to report it right away. You can upload papers in ABE Manage My Case, visit your local IDHS office, or call 1.800.843.6154.
• Starting in January 2027, new federal rules may require some adults to work, go to school, join training or do community service to get or keep Medicaid. HFS says most people won't be affected, and it will contact you if you need to do anything.
• Keep your address up to date and watch your mail for notices from HFS.

Sources: https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/healthbenefitsforimmigrants.html and https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients.html

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Not sure where you stand?

If a letter about your coverage is confusing, call the Health Benefits Hotline at 1.866.468.7543, or ask a legal aid office (see Guide 13). You don't have to figure it out alone.

What about health coverage for kids and moms?

• All Kids is Illinois' health coverage for children. HFS lists All Kids under its programs for parents and children, and says children under 19 keep their Medicaid eligibility under the new federal rules.
• Moms and Babies covers pregnant people and new babies. HFS has a guide to getting a medical card and a primary care provider for your baby (HFS 4691).
• FamilyCare covers parents and other caretaker relatives.
• Apply for all of these the same way, through ABE or by calling 1.800.843.6154.

Sources: https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/families.html and https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/maternal.html and https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/healthbenefitsforimmigrants.html

Asking for help with your health is one of the bravest, smartest things you can do. Your health matters, friend.

From the Bunklow team

Where can I get help for mental health?

If you're feeling down, anxious, or overwhelmed, you don't have to carry it alone.

• In a crisis, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. It's at no cost, private and open 24/7, for you or for someone you love.
• In Chicago, the Department of Public Health runs mental health centers with therapy, group therapy, case management and medication management for adults, children and teens. Services are at no cost for Chicagoans who can't pay. Not sure where to start? Call 312.747.1020.
• Many counties run their own crisis lines. The county list later in this guide shows some of them.
• You can also dial 211 for help finding services, and community health centers often have counseling too.

Sources: https://988lifeline.org/ and https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/behavioral-health/mental_health_centers.html

Where can I get help for alcohol or drug use?

The Illinois Helpline for opioids and other substance use is run with the IDHS Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. Call 833.234.6343, or text "HELP" to 833234, to find treatment and support.

It can also connect you to medication assisted recovery for opioid or alcohol use.

• SAMHSA's National Helpline is at no cost, private and open 24/7, 365 days a year, in English and Spanish. Call 800.662.4357.
• You can also search for treatment near you at findtreatment.gov.
• A community health center can also help you find care near you.

Sources: https://helplineil.org/ and https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

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Write your questions down

Before a visit, jot down your questions and any medicines you take. It's so easy to forget once you're in the room. A little list goes a long way!

Can I buy health insurance if I don't get Medicaid?

Illinois now has its own health insurance marketplace, called Get Covered Illinois. It says it's the only place you can apply for tax credits to help lower the cost of coverage.

• Apply at https://getcovered.illinois.gov/ or call 1.866.311.1119 (TTY 711). You can find no cost local help with enrolling there too.
• You can sign up during open enrollment each fall. Outside of that, a life change like losing other coverage may let you enroll.
• Missed open enrollment? Get Covered Illinois has a Tax Time Easy Enrollment Program during tax season.
• Watch out for health insurance scams. Get Covered Illinois has tips on avoiding them.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://getcovered.illinois.gov/

Where can I get family planning care in Illinois?

The Illinois Department of Public Health runs the Illinois Family Planning Program through more than 100 clinics across the state, at health departments, hospitals, community health centers and nonprofits. IDPH says services are voluntary and confidential and are given regardless of ability to pay.

• Services include help choosing birth control, pregnancy testing and counseling, STI testing and treatment, and preventive exams to screen for cancer and other health issues.
• Clinics use a sliding fee. People at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty level get services at no cost. Anyone can go, including people with insurance or Medicaid.
• Find a clinic with the clinic locator on the IDPH family planning page.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/life-stages-populations/womens-health-services/family-planning.html

Questions people ask a lot

Sources: https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/medicaidguide/apply.html and https://helplineil.org/ and https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/healthbenefitsforimmigrants.html

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Your health matters

Taking one step for your health today is a big deal. I'm proud of you, and I'm happy you're here!

Who can I call in my county?

Here are health departments, clinics and crisis lines near you. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Illinois

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Chicago

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Cook County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

DuPage County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Will County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kane County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Madison County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Champaign County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Neighborhood and other counties

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My health plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Take good care of you. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 17, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax, medical or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 17, 2026