Frequently Asked Questions

The answers below address common questions about the eligibility process for Illinois Medicaid coverage of nursing facility and other long term support services (LTSS).

These FAQs are oriented toward the prospective of providers of long term care supports and services. We are working on similar FAQs for clients.

Some of the answers will change in the near future. The Department is working to improve the process of LTSS eligibility determination. For that reason, we encourage users to check back as we will post updates from time to time. Other online resources are described below.

• Information concerning applying for long terms supports and services is posted and will be updated on the HFS Long Term Services and Supports webpage. Presentation material from the HFS webinars on how to use ABE, the online Application for Benefits Eligibility, is posted on that webpage and the direct links are shown below.

  • A Client's View of the Self Service Portal - ABE Webinar. A slide presentation with audio recording.

  • Completing an ABE Application for LTC Facilities (pdf). A slide deck in pdf format.

  • Completing an ABE Application for LTC Facilities. A video of the presentation with captioning.  

• The procedures for determining resources (assets) and the regulations surrounding resource (Asset) transfers are explained in FAQs posted on this webpage.

• The Medicaid provider handbooks can be found on the HFS Medical Providers Handbooks webpage.

If you have comments or questions about the material contained in these FAQs, please contact us through the HFS Long Term Care Changes Questions or Comments webpage.

• Frequently Asked Questions about Medicaid Eligibility for Long Term Supports and Services (pdf)