League of Women Voters of Cook County

SNAP and Medicaid Eligibility Rules are Changing

Help spread the word about the changes, effective dates, and resources for recipients.

GetMedicaidFacts.com
saveoursnap.org
dhs.state.il.us

The changes were mandated by the Federal Government in the H.R.1 bill that was passed and signed into law by the President last summer. While some people will no longer be eligible for SNAP and Medicaid under the new requirements, others may lose coverage for failure to understand and complete the new required paperwork.

Cook County Health has created a new website and toolkit to help people navigate the changes. You’ll find lots of information about Medicaid eligibility and how to satisfy the requirements for doing 80 hours a month of work, study, or volunteering if you are between 19 and 64 and don’t qualify for an exemption. There are also links to information about SNAP requirements.

IDHS: Illinois Department of Human Services The Illinios Department of Human Services helps Illinoisans and their families become healthy and self-sufficient.

The Cook County League held its Annual Meeting on May 5th. Members of all 12 Local Leagues gathered at Roosevelt University to conduct League business, share lunch, and hear State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke discuss her first 18 months in office.

Earth Day April 22, 2026

In honor of Earth Day, join us to hear what Forest Preserve Restoration is all about.
In partnership with:
* Forest Preserves of Cook County Ecologists
* Friends of the Forest Preserves
* Friends of Somme Nature Preserves

We’ll discuss the benefits of being in nature. Whether you are a worker, or a walker, or a neighbor, we all benefit from interacting with nature. Come join in person at the Northbrook library or via zoom.
Northbrook Public Library
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 7 - 8pm
Register here:
https://visit.northbrook.info/event/15636134

Have you mailed your Vote-By-Mail ballot yet? If not, it would be best to take it to an early voting site drop box. Mailed ballots can take several days to get through Post Office processing.

Suburban Cook County Voters--Early Voting has started at a limited number of sites including 69 W. Washington, Pedway. To see all sites and times go to the County Clerk's Website: https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/ways-to-vote/early-voting/early-voting-locations

Today, the League of Women Voters marks 106 years of standing up for democracy when it has been challenged, undermined, or ignored. Our history is complex and unfinished, but it is defined by a refusal to back down from the fight for equal participation and equal rights. For more than a century, people across generations have organized in moments of uncertainty to hold power accountable and defend the freedom to vote. That work continues now, because democracy survives only when people are willing to protect it.

Vote411.org is your source to learn about the stances of candidates for Cook County Government Offices. Read their responses to our questions on the important issues.

Are You Registered to Vote?

Thru Feb 17: via mail-in or by deputy registrar
Thru March 1: online with State Board of Elections at www.ova.elections.il.gov
Must have an Illinois State ID or driver's license
Can also register during Early Voting and on Election Day

League Partners with Chicago Food Depository on Voter Education — League of Women Voters Chicago We’re excited to announce the launch of our nonpartisan voter registration and education partnership with Greater Chicago Food Depository.