Why do you Have to be a Mother to get Medicaid in IL? Can I qualify for Anything?

Yes, it is like this everywhere and it is ridiculous! It rewards irresponsible behavior, perpetuates poverty, and discourages productivity, savings, diligence. However, the medicaid mommies are about to get their comeuppance. States are undergoing sticker-shock over their budgets as tax receipts plummet. Only 6 states are solvent at the moment. Anyone who depends on govt payments (welfare, medicaid, food stamps, etc) is going to get whacked when the state runs out of money and tells them their free ride has come to an end. Look at the people in California, where the state hasn't issued a check for anything all month. Look at Ireland, where welfare benefits are being cut 20%. The handwriting is on the wall. At least you have not been suckered into dependency. That means you are more likely to survive, as tough a go as that is.

Medicaid is available to non-pregnant females (the coverage only lasts for a month or two following delivery) but the income requirements are very low. You could get a smaller apartment, get a roommate, cancel your cell phone, cancel the internet, cut back on other expenses and use that money for insurance. Most people could afford insurance if they made it a priority. However it is seen as something that should be guaranteed or be available after you increase you lifestyle.

nope. nothing. you can go to an insurance place and take out insurance for yourself and pay out of your pocket, but besides that. no help. if there were programs out there like this, no one would pay for their own insurance. medicaid is bad enough, not saying it's bad, but everyone has it... i'm sure it drains a lot of america's money. good luck to you.