If you are under the age of 65 and live in Suburban Cook County or in NW Chicago, (west of Pulaski Rd. AND north of North Ave) with:
*A family income of less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
and
*No health insurance (or deductible of $500 or more per person) and ineligible for Medicare or Public Aid
YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR ACCESS TO CARE
Non-Refundable Annual Enrollment Fees are:
$20 for one person
$40 for two people
$50 for three or more Adult Members under 65 in one family
This applies to Husband, Wife, and Dependent Children 19 to 26 ONLY
(Children under 18 are generally eligible for Illinois State medical programs)
Access to Care offers:
* Doctor Office Visits for: $5
* Prescription Medication: $15-$30-$40
* Lab Tests and X-rays: $5
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (708) 531-0680 www.accesstocare.org
Access to Care (Registered Trademark) is a not-for-profit program supported by grants
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
Don't schedule an early birth for non-medical reasons!
If your pregnancy is healthy, wait for labor to start on its own. It takes at least 39 weeks for babies to fully develop.
Scheduling an early birth can harm your baby. Talk to your doctor to make sure an early birth is safe. Don't schedule an early birth for a non-medical reason. Babies born too early have more health problems later in life.
Lots of important things happen in the final weeks of pregnancy. Organs such as the brain, heart and lungs need time to develop. Children need time to gain weight in the womb. Early births can harm vision and hearing. Babies born too early have trouble sucking and swallowing, which are essential for breastfeeding.
Keep in mind that your due date may not be exactly right. Even with an ultrasound, a due date can be off by up to two weeks.
Inducing labor may cause problems for you and your baby. Inducing can cause longer and stronger contractions. Other possible problems include infection and uterine ruptures.
A c-section is a major surgery. It takes moms longer to recover from a c-section. Moms usually stay two to four days in the hospital. It can take up to six weeks of home recovery after a c-section. Having a c-section can also result in complications with future births.
It is important to ask your doctor or midwife these questions. Why should I have an early birth? Why should I have a c-section? Can't I wait until my baby is closer to 39 weeks?
Scheduling an early birth can harm your baby. Talk to your doctor to make sure an early birth is safe. Don't schedule an early birth for a non-medical reason. Babies born too early have more health problems later in life.
Lots of important things happen in the final weeks of pregnancy. Organs such as the brain, heart and lungs need time to develop. Children need time to gain weight in the womb. Early births can harm vision and hearing. Babies born too early have trouble sucking and swallowing, which are essential for breastfeeding.
Keep in mind that your due date may not be exactly right. Even with an ultrasound, a due date can be off by up to two weeks.
Inducing labor may cause problems for you and your baby. Inducing can cause longer and stronger contractions. Other possible problems include infection and uterine ruptures.
A c-section is a major surgery. It takes moms longer to recover from a c-section. Moms usually stay two to four days in the hospital. It can take up to six weeks of home recovery after a c-section. Having a c-section can also result in complications with future births.
It is important to ask your doctor or midwife these questions. Why should I have an early birth? Why should I have a c-section? Can't I wait until my baby is closer to 39 weeks?
Friday, June 14, 2013
Clients- Register to Attend a Focus Group on Health Care Reform
Kankakee
|
Wednesday, June 12
1 – 2:30pm
|
Service Recipients:
|
Elgin
|
Tuesday, June 18
2 — 3:30pm
|
Service Recipients:
|
Rockford
|
Wednesday, June 19
2 – 3:30pm
|
Service Recipients:
|
Service Recipients who participate will receive a $25 Visa gift card.
Space is limited and registration is required. To register, use the links in the right column of the box below, or contact
Nicole Gillespie at Nicole.Gillespie@iphionline.org or
(312) 850-4744.
More information about upcoming outreach events in other cities is available at www.IllinoisFramework.org.
ACA Implementation: Refining On-Line Access
The Department of Health and Family Services, working in close cooperation with the Department of Human Services and the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace team, is fully engaged in preparing for the October implementation of new web-based systems for accessing Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Working in cooperation with larger Framework Project for coordinating health and human service information systems in Illinois, we are seeking service recipients and providers to offer feedback to ensure the front door to the website is clear and easy to use. To that end, we are hosting a series of client focus groups and broader townhall conversations around the state. The townhall conversations are in:
For Service Providers & Advocates
Kankakee Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Elgin Tuesday, June 18, 2013 9am-12pm
Rockford Wednesday, June 19, 2013 9am-12pm
Chicago Tuesday, August 13, 2013 2pm - 5pm
Peoria Wednesday, August 21, 2013 9am-12pm
Springfield Thursday, August 22, 2013 9am-12pm
Space is limited and registration is required. To register visit: www.IllinoisFramework.org/calender
More information about upcoming outreach events in other cities is available at www.IllinoisFramework.org
If you have any questions, please e-mail Nicole Gillespie or contact her by phone (312) 850-4744.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
MEDI Attestation for Increased Payment for Primary Care Services UPDATE 6.10.13
In an Increased Payment for Primary Care Services provider notice dated March 4, 2013 (pdf), the department announced it was implementing the provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) included in section 1202 of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, which provides increased payments for specified Medicaid primary care services provided by certain qualified primary care providers. Physicians were also given the criteria that they must meet in order to qualify for the increased payment.
As part of the process, physicians were instructed to complete an HFS 2352, Certification and Attestation for Primary Care Rate Increase. The department now has created a Primary Care Provider Incentive Payment Program webpage that contains a link to the Medicaid Electronic Data Interchange (MEDI) system. Providers are asked to apply for the incentive program by completing the attestation online instead of using the paper format.
For your benefit, the department has created an ACA Approved Provider Listing by NPI (pdf) for the providers who have successfully completed their attestation. If you submitted an attestation to the department but your NPI is not on the list, please contact the Provider Participation Unit (PPU) by calling 217-782-0538 for assistance. The list is in numerical order by NPI only.
Any questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Comprehensive Health
Services’ Provider Participation Unit at 217-782-0538.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
All students must show proof of Tdap for grades 6-12
All Illinois students in 6th grade through 12th grade will now need to show proof of getting a Tdap immunization. This rule will be enforced starting with the 2013-2014 school year.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will require students to have one dose of Tdap. Students can show proof of Tdap three ways. The exact date of the Tdap shot is needed.
• A signed letter or note from their doctor.
• A printout from electronic health records.
• An IDPH certificate of child health examination.
Students who had a Tdap shot prior to entering 6th or 9th grade last year do not need to get another dose. They just need to show proof of having a Tdap immunization.
The Tdap vaccine protects against three bacteria-based diseases. Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis can cause serious illness. Pertussis and diphtheria spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through wounds.
Another name for pertussis is whooping cough. Children who have had whooping cough should still get Tdap. The shot protects against future illness.
Tdap can be given any time after a recent tetanus shot.
The Tdap deadline is October 15, 2013. Exemptions can be made for medical or religious reasons. Without an exemption, children need proof of Tdap, or proof of an appointment to get the Tdap shot during the school year. Children without proof of Tdap risk exclusion from school.
Children can get Tdap from their Primary Care Provider (PCP) at their medical home. Call Illinois Health Connect at 1-877-912-1999 (TTY: 1-866-565-8577) to find your PCP. IHC can help you schedule an appointment for Tdap shot. The call is free!
Local health departments and pharmacies also offer Tdap. Children must be older than 14 years old to get Tdap at a pharmacy.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will require students to have one dose of Tdap. Students can show proof of Tdap three ways. The exact date of the Tdap shot is needed.
• A signed letter or note from their doctor.
• A printout from electronic health records.
• An IDPH certificate of child health examination.
Students who had a Tdap shot prior to entering 6th or 9th grade last year do not need to get another dose. They just need to show proof of having a Tdap immunization.
The Tdap vaccine protects against three bacteria-based diseases. Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis can cause serious illness. Pertussis and diphtheria spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through wounds.
Another name for pertussis is whooping cough. Children who have had whooping cough should still get Tdap. The shot protects against future illness.
Tdap can be given any time after a recent tetanus shot.
The Tdap deadline is October 15, 2013. Exemptions can be made for medical or religious reasons. Without an exemption, children need proof of Tdap, or proof of an appointment to get the Tdap shot during the school year. Children without proof of Tdap risk exclusion from school.
Children can get Tdap from their Primary Care Provider (PCP) at their medical home. Call Illinois Health Connect at 1-877-912-1999 (TTY: 1-866-565-8577) to find your PCP. IHC can help you schedule an appointment for Tdap shot. The call is free!
Local health departments and pharmacies also offer Tdap. Children must be older than 14 years old to get Tdap at a pharmacy.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Provide a safe sleep environment for your infant
There are many reasons infants die during sleep. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one, but there are others.
Other deaths can be the result of the sleeping environment. Most of the risk factors for these sleeping deaths are avoidable.
To keep your baby safe during sleep, follow these precautions for children less than 1-year-old. Place your child on her back. Babies should sleep on their backs every time. Do not use bumpers, blankets or toys.
Soft surfaces, like an adult bed, are not safe. A couch, pillow, or quilt is not safe. Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Always return your baby to his crib, bassinet or portable play area after breastfeeding.
It is not recommended to share the same bed with your infant. It is a good idea to sleep in the same room. Being close to your infant can alert you to problems.
Breastfeeding has been shown to prevent SIDS. Do not force your baby to use a pacifier. If it falls out during sleep, leave it out. You should wait to use a pacifier until your baby is used to breastfeeding.
Do not let your baby get too hot during sleep. Dress your baby in light sleep clothing. Only add one more layer of clothes than an adult would be comfortable wearing. Keep the room temperature to what is comfortable for an adult.
Tummy time is important when your baby is away. This helps your baby gain strength in her arms, neck and shoulders. Tummy time also prevents flat spots on your baby's head.
If your baby rolls over during sleep, that is OK! Rolling over is an important step in development. You do not need to place your baby back on his back if he rolls over. It is important to start off each sleep with your baby on his back.
Make sure you tell everyone who cares for your child about these sleep messages.
Other deaths can be the result of the sleeping environment. Most of the risk factors for these sleeping deaths are avoidable.
To keep your baby safe during sleep, follow these precautions for children less than 1-year-old. Place your child on her back. Babies should sleep on their backs every time. Do not use bumpers, blankets or toys.
Soft surfaces, like an adult bed, are not safe. A couch, pillow, or quilt is not safe. Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Always return your baby to his crib, bassinet or portable play area after breastfeeding.
It is not recommended to share the same bed with your infant. It is a good idea to sleep in the same room. Being close to your infant can alert you to problems.
Breastfeeding has been shown to prevent SIDS. Do not force your baby to use a pacifier. If it falls out during sleep, leave it out. You should wait to use a pacifier until your baby is used to breastfeeding.
Do not let your baby get too hot during sleep. Dress your baby in light sleep clothing. Only add one more layer of clothes than an adult would be comfortable wearing. Keep the room temperature to what is comfortable for an adult.
Tummy time is important when your baby is away. This helps your baby gain strength in her arms, neck and shoulders. Tummy time also prevents flat spots on your baby's head.
If your baby rolls over during sleep, that is OK! Rolling over is an important step in development. You do not need to place your baby back on his back if he rolls over. It is important to start off each sleep with your baby on his back.
Make sure you tell everyone who cares for your child about these sleep messages.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
I-CARE Tutorial: Achieving Meaningful Use Using the Immunization Registry 6.25.13/12p-1p
When
Tuesday June 25, 2013 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM CDT
Tuesday June 25, 2013 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM CDT
Join Illinois Department of Public Health's I-CARE Tutorial: Achieving Meaningful Use Using the Immunization Registry webinar to learn about the importance of I-CARE immunization registry and how to use its features.
Presenters:
Annie Boesen, Manager for the Immunization Projects at Illinois Chapter; American Academy of Pediatrics working with Illinois Department of Public Health to educate medical providers about immunizations and promoting the I-CARE program.
Robin Holding, I-CARE Project Manager, Illinois Department of Public Health
Target Audience:
Physician Office Practice Managers, Providers, Pharmacists, Hospitalists, Quality Improvement Staff, Health IT Personnel and other Clinical Staff
Objectives:
*Learn how providers can use I-CARE at the point of care to determine immunization status
*Understand how Illinois providers can utilize the registry to meet Meaningful Use requirements
*View a unidirectional screen sharing tutorial that will provide a hands-on walk through of how to use the I-CARE immunization registry to provide high quality patient care
Copy and Paste the link below to register!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Physicians must attest to get ACA rate increase
May 10 Update: Illinois Health Connect encourages providers to take advantage of the online attestation option, which is now available only as a MEDI application. HFS has indicated that the Provider Participation Unit (PPU) is not currently processing the HFS 2352 forms and is simply collecting them at this time. Providers who wish to mail the forms to PPU are encouraged to send them via certified mail.
Update: HFS announced on March 27 that it has developed an online option for provider attestation for the increased rates for primary care services. This feature allows providers to submit their attestation electronically.
Primary care physicians need to complete an attestation form to qualify for the increased rates for primary care services that the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will pay as a result of the Affordable Care Act.
The rate increase will cover dates of service between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014. However, in order for the fee increase to be retroactive to January 1, physicians must complete form HFS 2352 before June 30, 2013. Attestations completed after June 30 will be effective the date HFS receives the attestation form.
Providers eligible to receive the enhanced rates are primary care physicians with a specialty designation of family medicine, general internal medicine or pediatric medicine. A qualifying physician must either be board certified, or be a physician who has furnished primary care services that equal at least 60 percent of the Medicaid codes paid during the most recent calendar year.
HFS has until March 31 to submit its State Plan Amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Once the HFS plan is approved, HFS will complete the necessary programming to begin payments.
The enhanced rates will be paid as an add-on through an adjustment process, and the adjustment add-on will be sent separately from the payment for service. HFS will post a separate fee schedule for the two-year fee increase on the Medicaid Reimbursements page of the HFS website when the schedule is available.
Eligible primary care services are evaluation and management codes (99201-99499) and vaccine administration codes (90460-90461, 90471-90474). As HFS does not pay vaccine administration using those codes, HFS needs approval from CMS to develop a crosswalk to the vaccine administration codes HFS currently reimburses.
Questions about the attestation process or form HFS 2352 should be directed to the HFS Provider Participation Unit via email at hfs.ppu@illinois.gov or phone at 217-782-0538.
Update: HFS announced on March 27 that it has developed an online option for provider attestation for the increased rates for primary care services. This feature allows providers to submit their attestation electronically.
Primary care physicians need to complete an attestation form to qualify for the increased rates for primary care services that the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will pay as a result of the Affordable Care Act.
The rate increase will cover dates of service between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014. However, in order for the fee increase to be retroactive to January 1, physicians must complete form HFS 2352 before June 30, 2013. Attestations completed after June 30 will be effective the date HFS receives the attestation form.
Providers eligible to receive the enhanced rates are primary care physicians with a specialty designation of family medicine, general internal medicine or pediatric medicine. A qualifying physician must either be board certified, or be a physician who has furnished primary care services that equal at least 60 percent of the Medicaid codes paid during the most recent calendar year.
HFS has until March 31 to submit its State Plan Amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Once the HFS plan is approved, HFS will complete the necessary programming to begin payments.
The enhanced rates will be paid as an add-on through an adjustment process, and the adjustment add-on will be sent separately from the payment for service. HFS will post a separate fee schedule for the two-year fee increase on the Medicaid Reimbursements page of the HFS website when the schedule is available.
Eligible primary care services are evaluation and management codes (99201-99499) and vaccine administration codes (90460-90461, 90471-90474). As HFS does not pay vaccine administration using those codes, HFS needs approval from CMS to develop a crosswalk to the vaccine administration codes HFS currently reimburses.
Questions about the attestation process or form HFS 2352 should be directed to the HFS Provider Participation Unit via email at hfs.ppu@illinois.gov or phone at 217-782-0538.
Please complete the 2013 IHC Primary Care Provider Survey
All Illinois Health Connect medical homes are encouraged to complete the 2013 IHC Primary Care Provider Survey, which is now available for download from the IHC Provider Notices page. The survey can also be completed online via the Survey Monkey link below.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2013ihcprovidersurvey
This statewide survey assesses provider satisfaction. Responses from past surveys have been used to make improvements to the IHC program. The PCP or other office staff most familiar with IHC should complete this survey.
Paper copies of the survey can be faxed to 847-995-1021.
IHC will conduct a series of blast fax and email campaigns to ensure a statistically valid response rate. To avoid getting additional copies sent to your office, please list the IHC provider numbers of all PCPs at your practice on the survey. All surveys are de-identified prior to data analysis.
If you have questions about the survey, contact your Provider Services Representative, Quality Assurance Nurse or the IHC Provider Services Help Desk at 877-912-1999, extension 3.
This statewide survey assesses provider satisfaction. Responses from past surveys have been used to make improvements to the IHC program. The PCP or other office staff most familiar with IHC should complete this survey.
Paper copies of the survey can be faxed to 847-995-1021.
IHC will conduct a series of blast fax and email campaigns to ensure a statistically valid response rate. To avoid getting additional copies sent to your office, please list the IHC provider numbers of all PCPs at your practice on the survey. All surveys are de-identified prior to data analysis.
If you have questions about the survey, contact your Provider Services Representative, Quality Assurance Nurse or the IHC Provider Services Help Desk at 877-912-1999, extension 3.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)