How to get a free abortion in Illinois
Posted July 16, 2025
Abortion is legal in Illinois and since the Dobbs decision in 2022, the state has introduced a lot of laws to protect abortion access including ways to make it much more affordable.
Private insurance
In 2019, Illinois passed a law called the Reproductive Health Act. This law says that everyone has the right to make their own choices about reproductive health, including abortion. It also means that private health insurance in Illinois must cover abortion just like they cover other types of pregnancy care.
So, if your insurance is regulated by the state of Illinois—like if you or your family got your insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace or through your employer—and it covers pregnancy care, it must also cover abortion.
But this law doesn’t apply to Medicare, other federal insurance plans, or private employers that use “self-funded” health plans.
Illinois Medicaid abortion coverage
In Illinois, there are two Medicaid programs that must cover both abortion pills and in-clinic abortions:
- Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility (MPE): Gives temporary, same-day coverage for pregnancy-related outpatient care.
- Moms & Babies: Covers care during pregnancy and for 12 months after, no matter how the pregnancy ends—whether by birth, miscarriage, or abortion.
To qualify, you must live in Illinois. Eligibility depends on your income and how many people are in your household. If you're pregnant, Medicaid will count your pregnancy as an extra person in your household. And some clinics can even accept your Medicaid application while it’s still being processed.
Below is a list of abortion clinics and telehealth providers in Illinois that take Illinois Medicaid. If you're eligible, some of them can help you apply for Medicaid during your visit.
People who are undocumented can still get services through Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility (MPE). If you have any trouble because of your immigration status, the Chicago Abortion Fund can help you get care no matter your status.
If you have more questions about immigration and abortion access, check out this article.
People under the age of 18 can also apply for Illinois Medicaid, even if their parents have private insurance. If you’re a minor and need help with applying for Medicaid or need help paying for your abortion, you can call the Chicago Abortion Fund. Be sure to mention this in your voicemail or in the online form.
Additional support
If you aren’t eligible for Illinois Medicaid or if you are traveling to Illinois for abortion care and need support, there are abortion funds that can help!
Chicago Abortion Fund can help pay for your appointment and travel if you’re getting an abortion in Illinois.
Midwest Access Coalition helps with travel, like paying for a place to stay, transportation, food, and childcare if you’re coming to or traveling within Illinois for an abortion.
This article was developed in partnership with the Chicago Abortion Fund. If you know of a provider that should be added to this list or have feedback suggestions for this article, please email team@ineedana.com.