A new federal law (HR 1) is changing who qualifies for Medicaid and how often some customers need to renew their coverage.
Some changes take effect as soon as October 2026 and others will begin January 1, 2027. Find out what you need to do to keep your coverage below.
Una nueva ley federal (HR 1) modifica los requisitos para acceder a Medicaid y la frecuencia con la que algunos beneficiarios deben renovar su cobertura.
Algunos cambios entrarán en vigor en octubre de 2026 y otros a partir del 1 de enero de 2027. Infórmese sobre los pasos necesarios para mantener su cobertura.
Primary Care Services
Carle Health
Early childhood, in developmental psychology and education, generally refers to the period from birth to about age 8. This period is characterized by rapid physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. It’s a crucial time for building foundational skills and laying the groundwork for future learning and development.
Looking for a Primary Care Doctor in the Peoria area?
Family Care Medical Center
Primary Care, Specialty Care, Women’s Health, Mental Health
Methodist North – Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Pekin East – Pediatrics
Springfield Clinic Peoria North Knoxville
University Pediatrics (UICOMP)
Looking for other resources such as food pantries, mental health care, housing, or something else?
Mental Health Services
Crisis Resources
Trillium Place
988
24/7 Emergency Mental Health Response Services:
Mental Health Professionals
ABC Counseling
Youth Counseling Services; Specializes in treating Sexual Abuse Trauma and Adoption Services
The Antioch Group
Faith-based Counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults
Associates in Mental Health, SC
Counseling and Therapy for Ages 3 and up
Center for Youth & Family Solutions
Youth and Adolescent Counseling Services
Centered Therapy and Wellness
Youth, Adolescent, Teens, Family, Couples Therapy
FamilyCore Counseling
Counseling, Foster Care, and Single Parent Support
Glen Manor Counseling
Counseling for Teens
Inspire Counseling and Wellness
Counseling for Children and Adolescents
Inward Journey Counseling
Counseling for people ages 6 and up
Life Stance
Services for all ages
Stride Mental Health
Focuses on Greif, Anxiety, and Kids and Families
Way to Grow Pediatric Therapy
Comprehensive Pediatric Therapy Services (Ages birth to 18)
Whole Life Solutions, LLC
Counseling for adults and children
Reproductive Health Services
Central Illinois FRIENDS
A community resource for sexual health awareness, counseling, confidential HIV/STI testing, and referrals.
Downtown Peoria Clinic
LGBTQ+ Community Center
Bloomington Normal Clinic
Galesburg Clinic
Planned Parenthood – Peoria Health Center
Planned Parenthood is a nonprofit organization that provides reproductive and sexual healthcare and sexual education.
Social Services
Center for Prevention of Abuse
Provides various support groups for domestic violence victims and trafficking victims.
Department of Children & Family Services
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) promotes the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families by responding to reports of potential abuse and neglect and, when needed, providing family-centered care and connection to resources.
Heart of Illinois United Way
The Heart of Illinois United Way brings together people from business, labor, government, health and human services to address community needs in Marshall, Peoria, Putnam, Stark, Tazewell & Woodford Counties in Illinois.
Peoria Friendship House
Peoria Friendship House is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families across Peoria. Through a wide range of programs focused on education, food access, family support, and personal development, we work to create opportunities for stability, growth, and long-term success.
Salvation Army Family Services
The Salvation Army Peoria Metro Area offers worship services, youth and family programs, food assistance, and community outreach to support our neighbors.
DENTAL CARE RESOURCES
Access Dental and Orthodontics
Accepts Medicaid and Molina – Patients 6 months and older
Dr. Al-Dadah, DDS
Accepts Medicaid and Molina (NOT Dual option)
Familia Dental
Dental Care to children from birth to college, including children with special needs
Illinois Central College Dental Hygiene Clinic
Offers Dental Cleanings, X-Rays, Fluoride Treatments, Sealants, and Oral Hygiene Instructions – $20 per visit, for ALL services, Medicaid accepted, but not billed
Just Kidz Dentistry
Kids First Dental Group
Dental Services for children, adolescents, and young adults, including children with physical or special needs
Secure Dental
Dental Services for Children
Tazwood Community Services, Inc.
Dental Vouchers when funding is available
VISION CARE RESOURCES
America’s Best
Self-pay options and major insurance ONLY, adults and children 5+
Bard Optical
*Accepts medical card for exam and glasses for children 4+ years
Some locations are working off cancellations, few appointments available, call or look online to find out about availability and coverage
East Peoria*
Pekin*
Peoria – Knoxville
Peoria – Metro Centre
Peoria – Shoppes at Grand Prairie
Washington
Carver Family Optical
Accepts all Medicaid for exams and glasses, adults and children 4+
Costco
ONLY Cash Pay, Eye Exams start at $100, accepts adults and children 4+
Illinois Eye Center
Accepts regular medical card and Meridian WITH referral from doctor for eye exams only. Serves Peoria, Woodford, Tazewell, and Knox counties.
Call to ensure services can be covered – (309) 243-2400
Pekin
Peoria
Washington
Tazewell County Health Department
Routine Eye Exam (Vision Screen), but NO School Exam currently, accepts medical cards and major insurance companies
Open 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month
Walmart Vision Center
Accepts all medical cards, however not all medical cards approve glasses, call to ensure a medical card will cover services at each location, accepts children 4+.
East Peoria Walmart Vision Center
Morton Walmart Vision Center
Pekin Walmart Vision Center
Peoria Walmart Vision Center
Washington Walmart Vision Center
EARLY CHILDHOOD RESOURCES
Not Sure Where to Start?
211 – Resource Directory
HOI – United Way
Free help connecting to childcare, developmental services, food, housing, and family support
Special Needs and Disability Resources
Easter Seals Central Illinois
Therapeutic Services and Early Childhood Development programs for children with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs can reach their full potential
EP!C
Family support and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Lifelong Access
Person-Centered developmental services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan
Way to Grow Pediatric Therapy
Comprehensive Pediatric Therapy Services (Ages birth to 18)
Financial Assistance Programs for Child Care
Illinois Department of Human Services
Helps eligible families pay for childcare while working or attending school
Women, Infant, and Children Program at Peoria City/County Health Department
Nutrition education, health assessments, and supplementary food vouchers to income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women and to families with infants and small children.
Parent Resources
CDC Development Milestones
How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about your child’s development. Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age.
Children’s Home
Developmental screenings, therapy services, and family coaching in the Tri-County area
University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development
Family engagement programs and positive youth development activities in the Tri-County area
Vroom
Free, science-based tips and tools help parents and caregivers give children a great start in life today—and an even better future.
Zero to Three
Support for families, professionals, and policy makers who shape the lives of young children
SUBSTANCE USE RESOURCES
Emergency Resources
Crisis and Substance Use Lifelines
988
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Available 24/7/365, Free and Confidential; Call for yourself, a friend, or a loved one.
SAMHSA National Helpline
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Illinois Helpline
24/7, free and confidential service, provides information, support, and available services in Illinois, helps connect people with substance use and gambling treatment, along with recovery services.
Nicotine and Tobacco Cessation Resources
EX Program
Free, 24/7 support for quitting nicotine, includes access to a resource library, daily texts with tips and advice, support, and expert guidance. Developed by Truth Initiative.
Illinois Tobacco Quitline
The Illinois Tobacco Quitline is a free resource to help people quit smoking, vaping, or other tobacco use.
SmokefreeTXT
This program is available to teens and adults who want to quit smoking. This resource provides daily text message reminders to encourage individuals to stop using tobacco products. Available to all, with a special line for Teens, Native American people in the US, Veterans with VA health benefits (also available in Spanish), Pregnant Women, and this service has a Spanish Speaking line.
My Life, My Quit
A free and confidential resource for instant support to quit smoking or vaping for teens.
Addiction Programs and Services
Addiction Recovery Center at Carle Health Proctor Hospital
ARC provides addiction screening services for adolescents. While they are not able to provide full services to minors, they will screen and refer adolescent patients as needed. Please call to ensure services can be provided and covered.
JOLT Harm Reduction
JOLT Foundation provides recovery navigation and harm reduction tools related to opioid use. Please call or reach out to JOLT through email to see what services they may provide to youth.
Partnership to End Addiction
Provides online resources, education, and support for teens and families affected by drug use.
FOOD RESOURCES
Bradley Epworth Church
Operates the first Friday of every month, from 8:00AM – 10:00AM
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Operates every Saturday from 3:00PM – 5:00PM
East Bluff Community Center
Open the first four Saturdays of the month from 8:30AM – 12:00PM
First United Methodist Church of East Peoria
Runs from 1:00PM – 3:00PM every Monday, for families living in the 61611 ZIP code
Friendship House
Daily Food Pantry
Open Monday through Friday from 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Provides pre-packed food bags for those in need
Community Food Distributions
Hosted one Sunday each month (contact Friendship House for schedule); Monthly Food Distribution, open to the entire community. Each distribution includes pre-packed meal kits, ingredients for 3-4 meals, and recipe cards for preparation.
Holiday Food Giveaways
During holidays, Friendship House hosts giveaways for Thanksgiving Turkey and Christmas Ham
Heaven’s View Christian Fellowship
Food Pantry: Open Saturday, 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Hidden Manna Food Pantry
Operates Tuesdays 11:00AM – 4:00PM
Loaves and Fish – First United Methodist Church
Operates every Saturday from 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Madison Avenue Neighborhood Ministries
Hot Meals
Served every Saturday from 11:30AM – 1:00PM
Food Pantry
Open every Saturday from 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Mother Cabrini Center – Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Bessette Lunch Kitchen
Operates Monday – Thursday, 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Fulton Sheen Food Pantry
Provides free canned foods and dry goods groceries to adults; Fridays from 11:00AM – 1:00PM
St. Gianna Baby Pantry
Offers diapers, baby wash, lotion, wipes, formula, bottles, and other baby needs to families with children once per month. Parents and legal guardians should check the website (cdop.org/ccpeoria) or call to establish an appointment time.
Open Fridays 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Food distribution Wednesdays from 1:00PM to 3:00PM
Neighborhood House
Food Pantry
Operates on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of Every Month: Open 10:00AM to 12:00PM, or “until 75 boxes have been distributed,” participants must show their government-issued ID
Sunday Meals
Every Sunday, meals are served at 12:00PM
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Operates Mondays from 1:00PM – 3:00PM and Fridays from 9:00AM – 11:00AM
Sophia’s Kitchen
Food Pantry is open every Friday from 1:00PM to 3:00PM, every Thursday at 1:00PM, Sophia’s Kitchen hosts a Pet Pantry as well. Please call to learn more.
South Side Mission – Soup Kitchen
Doors are open between 11:45AM and 12:00PM; No late entry is allowed. To enjoy a hot meal, please arrive between these times.
St. Paul’s Food Pantry
Open the First and Third Thursdays of each month 10:00AM to 12:00PM
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
Generally open Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00AM – 11:00AM, serves families in the 61616 ZIP code
Westmark Food Pantry
Open Mondays from 9:00AM – 11:00 AM
White Rose Food Pantry
The primary area of service is the Norwood School District. The Food Pantry operates on the 2nd Saturday of the month, from 4:00PM-5:00PM. Registration is required.