Your medical card will pay for emergency services at the emergency room (ER). It is important that you use the ER only for an emergency.
There is now a co-payment for using the ER for non-emergency services. You will be charged a higher co-payment if it is not an emergency.
Adults will pay $3.65. Children also have increased co-payments. A co-payment chart is posted on All Kids Web site.
All Kids Assist children will pay $3.65. All Kids Share children will pay $10 for non-emergency. All Kids Premium Level 1 children will pay $25 for non-emergency.
If you are not sure you have an emergency, you should call your Primary Care Provider (PCP) first. If the problem is not serious, make an appointment to see your PCP. Only go to the ER if the problem is serious.
An emergency is a health problem that is life threatening or one that will seriously affect your health if not treated right away. Examples are chest pains, poisoning, or seizures. An emergency can be from an accident or sudden illness.
Talk to your PCP during your regular check-ups about what to do if you need medical advice when the office is closed. Your PCP will tell you how to contact the "on-call" doctor or nurse.
If you are unable to reach your PCP after hours or 24 hours on weekends, you can call the Illinois Nurse Helpline at 1-877-912-1999 (TTY 1-866-565-8577). During the week, the Illinois Nurse Helpline is open from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. The call is free. The nurse will answer your medical questions and give you information to help you decide if you need to go to the Emergency Room or call 9-1-1 (if available in your area).
In an emergency, you can use any hospital or other emergency provider. If you need a list of emergency providers in your area, call Illinois Health Connect at 1-877-912-1999 (TTY: 1-866-565-8577). This call is free.
