⚕️💡🚆October Updates: Medicaid, LIHEAP, and Access
Dear Neighbor,
The beginning of October brings several important changes related to Medicaid, utility assistance, and public transportation. In this newsletter, I would like to highlight several of these updates and provide information to help you understand how they may affect you and your family.
Medicaid Changes
A new federal law, HR1, is changing who qualifies for Medicaid. Beginning on October 1, 2026, and at the start of 2027, some adults on Medicaid will be required to report work, school, or training activities. Many customers will be exempt, and no one will be required to act until they receive direct notice from the State.
Some noncitizens, including but not limited to refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, and survivors of trafficking or domestic violence will no longer qualify for federally-funded Medicaid. Individuals in these groups may still receive Emergency Medicaid, but not regular full-scope benefits.
The following groups will remain eligible:
Naturalized Citizens
Lawful permanent residents who meet or are exempt from the 5-year eligibility bar
Certain Cuban and Haitian entrants
COFA migrants (from Marshall Islands, Micronesia or Palau)
Children under 19 years old and pregnant people
Individuals enrolled in a state-funded program including AATV, VTTC, and HBIS
Please be sure to check your coverage status, update your contact information at ABE.Illinois.gov, and watch for mail with updates from DHS/HFS.
If you are losing care, primary and preventative care is available at Find your local Federally Qualified Healthcare Center at iphca.org/health-center-locator, or your closest charitable clinic at illinoisfreeclinics.org/clinic-search/clinic-directory.
Use Get Covered Illinois’ special enrollment option for healthcare coverage here and can connect you to health insurance within 60 days of coverage loss.
The Illinois House secured $10 million in additional funding for Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers in anticipation of these upcoming Medicaid cuts, and we will continue to fight to keep Illinoisans safe and healthy, despite partisan efforts to cut basic lifelines.
Utility Bill Assistance with LIHEAP
The LIHEAP application period is from October 1, 2026, to August 13, 2027, or until funding is exhausted.
Beginning October 1, 2026, adults aged 60 and older, individuals with a disability, households with at least one child age 5 years and under, households that are disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors, have a disconnect date within 7 days or have less than 25% in their propane tank are able to apply. On November 1, 2026, all other income eligible households can start applying for LIHEAP assistance.
Learn more about the program, how to apply, and eligibility requirements here.
NITA Access Expansion for SNAP Recipients
Under the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, NITA, the Access program has enabled SNAP recipients to ride Metra at a reduced fare. Beginning October 1, the program is expanding to CTA and Pace. Permits are valid for four years and will remain so even if changes are made to federal regulations on SNAP. Eligible riders can apply for the program at GetAccess.org, with the following documents:
A current color photo that clearly shows your face
A valid/not expired State of Illinois ID card/driver's license with an address that matches the address on the SNAP decision notice letter
A copy of your SNAP decision notice letter dated within 1 year of your Access application that demonstrates current eligibility
Please stay in touch with our office by calling (773) 853-2570 or sending an email to will@repguzzardi.com. My staff can help you navigate state agencies and connect you to organizations and services for support.
All my best,
Will
Last Working Family Office Hours
Join us on Tuesday, September 29 for our last Working Family Office Hours this summer! My district office, at 3001 N Central Park Ave, will be open from 12 to 7pm for assistance with state agencies and resources for those who aren't able to come by during traditional work hours.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository will also be onsite to assist with SNAP benefits. And my staff can help with other state programs, like Unemployment, Medicaid, state licensure, transit benefits for seniors, DMV services, food pantry resources, and more.
If you're able to join us on September 29, please complete this form.
Fall Family Health Fair
My office is partnering with State Sen. Graciela Guzman, Alderman Anthony Quezada, the Kosciuszko Park Advisory Council, and Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vasquez for our annual Fall Family Health Fair. This year’s fair will be on Saturday, October 17, from 10am to 1pm at Kosciuszko Park, 2732 N Avers Ave. It's a great chance to get a free flu shot, free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, free dental checks for kids, and much more.
Our health fair will offer a variety of free health services and resources to the community, including:
Flu shots for all ages at no cost*
Free dental health exams and cleanings for kids
Free blood pressure, and glucose screenings
Free HIV and STI screenings
Information on healthcare open enrollment
We’ll also have free family-friendly activities offered at the park, including:
Free hot cocoa and coffee*
Free kids’ haircuts
Rain barrel raffle
Local vendors
And more!
*While supplies last, given out on a first come, first serve basis!
Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program
The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program has officially re-opened. The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) provides emergency rental assistance to tenants and landlords across Illinois who have pending cases) in eviction court. Eligible applicants may qualify for up to $10,000 that can be applied to past due rent, up to $700 for court costs, and up to two months' future rent to prevent housing displacement. You can learn more and apply here: https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/cbrap.
BACP Business License Specialist
Center for Changing Lives is a City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Business License Specialist, providing free business license assistance to entrepreneurs and business owners across Chicago.
They can support with:
Determining your business license needs
Understanding application and renewal requirements
Preparing your documents
Navigating the Chicago Business Direct portal
Understanding zoning and other requirements
And, more!