Renewing Your Medicaid Benefits
The federal government is ending the COVID-19 public health emergency this spring. During the public health emergency, families receiving Medicaid were automatically re-enrolled in the program. But now that the public health emergency is ending, families will again need to renew their Medicaid benefits starting this year. Everybody’s renewal date is different, so it is critical that you get ready to renew.
The first step in this process was to ensure that your contact information in the state’s database is up-to-date. (If you’re unsure if your information is up-to-date, please access your account at abe.illinois.gov or contact CPS by calling the Healthy CPS Hotline at 773-553-KIDS (5437) or filling out an assistance request form).
In the current stage of this process, the State of Illinois will mail out physical renewal forms starting in May. Please make sure to regularly check your mailbox for your renewal form during this time. You can also find your renewal form by selecting “Manage My Case” on abe.illinois.gov. Once you receive your renewal form, please fill it out and send it back as soon as possible to ensure that your family does not lose Medicaid coverage.
The envelope will look like this:
Questions? If you need help, have any questions, or you are currently not receiving Medicaid benefits and think you are eligible, call the Healthy CPS Hotline at 773-553-KIDS (5437) or fill out an assistance request form and we will be happy to help you.
Enroll
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CPS can help you and your family enroll in the following public benefits programs. For more information, call the Healthy CPS Hotline at 773-553-KIDS (5437) or fill out an assistance request form. |
Medicaid
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Medicaid provides comprehensive healthcare services including a 24/7 nurse line, doctor services, hearing services, lab tests, x-rays, prescriptions, transportation, health risk screening, behavioral health services, eye care services, home health care, hospital services, medical supplies, therapy, and COVID-19 testing. |
SNAP
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food. P-EBT is a program that increases access to food while school is closed. All Chicago Public School students ages 3 to 17 and ages 18 to 22 (if in high school) are eligible for P-EBT. If you need to update your address to receive these benefits, please contact your school directly. |
TANF
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides grant funds to states and territories to provide families with financial assistance and related support services. State-administered programs may include child care assistance, job preparation, and work assistance. |
Engage
CPS families enrolled in Medicaid may also need to enroll in a Medicaid plan and should choose a primary healthcare provider that meets their needs. Reach out to your Children and Family Benefits Coordinator or call the Healthy CPS Hotline at 773-553-KIDS (5437) for assistance. Medicaid Health plans include:
- Blue Cross Community Health Plans
- County Care Health Plan
- Meridian Health
- Molina Healthcare
- Aetna
Utilize
Once enrolled in Medicaid, CPS families have access to a universe of benefits to support their health and wellness. Completing the health risk screening is essential to accessing health care services tailored to your needs and goals. Benefits include:
- 24/7 Nurse Line
- Behavioral Health Services
- Lab Tests
- Hospital Services
- Doctor Services
- Eye Care Services
- Prescriptions
- Medical Supplies
- Hearing Services
- Home Health Care
- Transportation
- X-Rays
- Health Risk Screening
- Covid-19 Testing
- Therapy
For more information, call the Healthy CPS Hotline at 773-553-KIDS (5437) or fill out an assistance request form. To connect with your Network's Children and Family Benefit's Coordinator, view their contact information.
