UPDATE: HFS has posted sample versions of the new medical card, a client brochure and an informational flier about the new medical card on the HFS website. Spanish versions are also available.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is in the process of updating the HFS medical cards, transitioning to annual medical cards. When HFS clients get their new medical cards in the mail, they will need to keep the new card.
After the new HFS medical card is mailed, clients will no longer be mailed a medical card every month.
The cards will still be made of paper, however, cards will be sent to clients only once a year after their annual redetermination of eligibility, or when a new client is added to that case. The new card will contain the name, recipient identification number and date of birth for every client covered on that card.
If a client loses eligibility and regains it later, they will be re-assigned the same recipient identification number. Information will be sent to clients in the mail about the new medical card and how to use it.
Illinois Health Connect (IHC) wants to remind providers of the importance of verifying eligibility and Primary Care Provider (PCP) assignment for every client prior to every appointment.
HFS medical cards are not proof of eligibility; they are a tool to determine client eligibility. The name of assigned PCP will not be printed on the HFS medical cards.
Health plan information will not be on the new HFS medical card. Clients who have selected a voluntary managed care plan or are part of the Integrated Care Program will also get a card from their health plan.
IHC recommends the use of the HFS MEDI System to verify eligibility and PCP assignment. IHC Provider Services Representatives are available to assist offices in registering for MEDI and can provide in-office training to all employees who need access.
If a client does not have their HFS medical card, providers can still use MEDI to check eligibility and PCP assignment as long as client can provide the following: full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, county of residence and current Zip Code.
Providers who do not have access to MEDI or another online Recipient Eligibility Vendor system, should call the Automated Voice Response System (1-800-842-1461) to verify eligibility and IHC (1-877-912-1999, extension 3) to verify PCP assignment. IHC cannot verify client eligibility.
