Featured Articles

1. Article number 1 - Health Reform News: Opportunity to Apply for Illinois In-Person Counselor Program
2. Article number 2 - We Choose Health
3. Article number 3 - Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace
4. Article number 4 - AHRQ Questions are the Answers
5. Article number 5 - Public Health Associate Program
6. Article number 6 - CO-OP

• Health Reform News: Opportunity to Apply for Illinois In-Person Counselor Program

  The Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace is very excited to announce the release of the grant application for the In-Person Counselor program.

  The Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace, in coordination with the Illinois Department of Public Health, will be accepting applications through Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 4 PM CDT from community groups and other qualified organizations who want to participate in the IPC program. The state has designated approximately $28 million in federal funds for grants to participating groups. Organizations that are selected through the online application process will participate in a training and certification process this summer. More information about the application process for the Illinois IPC Grant Program is available here.

• We Choose Health

  Illinois is actively participating in the National Prevention Strategy established through the Affordable Care Act. The Illinois Department of Public Health received funding from the federal government to move the strategy forward by engaging communities in health and wellness. View the website for more information.

• Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace

  Beginning on October 1, 2013, consumers in Illinois can apply for health coverage through the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace will be accessible through a website, phone or paper application. The virtual portal will help consumers find out quickly what coverage programs they are eligible for. Support, through in-person assistance and call centers, will be available for Illinois residents every step of the way.

• AHRQ Questions are the Answers

  Some Illinoisans might not have spent much time in a doctor’s office; but through health reform, check-ups and appointments will be more accessible. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Advancing Excellence in Health Care agency has made it easy to prepare for your visit using the "Questions Are The Answers" website. Learn about the importance of asking questions at the doctor's office and use the question building tool for guidance on what to ask.

• Public Health Associate Program

  The Public Health Associate Program is a two year fellowship program run by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for recent graduates interested in public health and supported in part by the Affordable Care Act. Gretchen Paule, a fellow in her first year of the program, is currently working at the Clay County Health Department, gaining valuable experience as a public health professional. Learn more about Gretchen and the program under the Health Initiatives tab.

• CO-OP

  Have you heard of the CO-OP program? Through the Affordable Care Act, Consumer Oriented and Operated Plans were established allowing non-profits, community based organizations, small business coalitions and other organizations to become health insurers and sell plans on the Exchange. Detailed information about CO-OPs and the CO-OP Loan program is available here.