Improving Women’s Health: An HFS
Commitment
Women often face
a range of unique healthcare challenges and opportunities, such as family
planning needs, pregnancy and breast and cervical cancer. Improving women's
health and promoting equity are key priorities for the Illinois Department of
Healthcare and Family Services.
Healthcare
Coverage
The first
step to leading a healthy life is making sure you have quality healthcare
coverage. To find out whether you are eligible for Medicaid or other available coverage,
visit the ABE Eligibility Website. There you will be able to learn
about and apply for healthcare benefits, as well as food and cash assistance.
If you
become enrolled in the Illinois Medicaid program, you will learn about a range
of options to help you and your family stay healthy and find solutions to your
healthcare needs. For most customers, this care will be offered through a HealthChoice
Illinois health plan.
Pregnant
Women and New Mothers
Quality care
before and after birth is critical for the health of mothers and babies.
Medicaid
Presumptive Eligibility (MPE) is a program for pregnant women that offers
immediate, temporary coverage for outpatient health services to pregnant women
who meet income requirements. There are no co-payments or premium requirements
in MPE. For more information, call the All Kids Hotline 1-866-ALL-KIDS
(1-866-255-5437) (TTY 1-877-204-1012) or visit the All Kids Web site.
Illinois is the first state in the nation to offer full Medicaid benefits to individuals for 12 months after a pregnancy ends. The state is committed to improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities during the 12-month postpartum period. Check with your HealthChoice Illinois health plan for details.
Family
Planning Coverage
HFS is committed to ensuring access to high quality, evidence-based family planning services for women and men by providing comprehensive and continuous coverage. HFS supports everyone’s right to make informed and voluntary decisions about sexuality and reproduction in order to lead a fulfilling and healthy life. Illinois Medicaid covers annual exams, family planning counseling, all FDA-approved contraceptives, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (i.e. IUD and implant) and permanent forms of birth control (i.e. tubal ligation or vasectomy). Check with your HealthChoice Illinois health plan for details.
Illinois
Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
The Illinois
Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic
exams and Pap smear tests to eligible women. Even if a woman has already been
diagnosed with cancer, she may receive free treatment if she qualifies. Learn
more at the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer
Website or call the Women’s Health-Line toll
free at 888-522-1282 (800-547-0466 TTY).
More
Resources
