Family Health Program Frequently Asked Questions

The Family Health Program is one of Illinois' managed care programs. This program is for kids, parents, and Affordable Care Act adults.  The Family Health Program started in 2014.  It is mandatory in five different regions.  There are also 15 counties outside the mandatory regions where the Family Health Program is voluntary.  You can see the mandatory and voluntary counties under the Family Health Program here.   

In the Family Health Program, you choose a health plan that is best for you.  The health plan will help you receive quality health care and services and help you reach your health goals. You will be able to select a primary care provider, also called a PCP, who will get to know you and all your medical needs.

• Any age

• Receive Medicaid benefits but not Medicare benefits

• Live in one of the available regions where the Family Health Program exists. Click here to see if you live in a mandatory or voluntary county.

You do not have to enroll in the Family Health Program if you are:

• An American Indian and/ or Native of Alaska

• In a Spenddown Program

• Receiving temporary medical benefits

• Getting care in the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program

• Receiving private insurance through your employer that pays for hospital and doctor visits

• Enrolled in AllKids Premium Level 2

All members of the Family Health Program get the same important health services you get now.  Some examples include:

​​You will receive education and help with all your services through care coordination. Your health plan has a Nurse Helpline that is available to you 24 hours a day to help answer your questions.    You may also get extra services from your health plan.

To choose the best health plan for you, you should think about your answers to these questions:

• Do I want to keep my doctor or clinic, or do I want a new doctor or clinic?

• Does the health plan have the doctors, hospitals, and specialists I use?

• Does anyone in my family have special health needs?

• What extra services does the health plan have?

You can also visit the website for Illinois’ Client Enrollment Services.    Go to: www.enrollhfs.illinois.gov to compare health plans.

We will send you an enrollment packet when it is time to enroll.  Enrollment packets are sent to the address we have on file for you, so make sure your Department of Human Services caseworker has the address where you live right now.

Once you enroll in a health plan, you will get a health plan member handbook and a member ID card. Look for them in the mail. You will work with your plan to get the healthcare services you need.  To learn more, call your Health Plan member services number.