The Illinois Integrated Care Program (ICP), initiated by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) on May 1, 2011, represents a significant step towards coordinated healthcare for specific populations within Illinois. This mandatory program is designed for older adults and adults with disabilities who are Medicaid eligible but not enrolled in Medicare. Operating in designated pilot areas including suburban Cook County (excluding zip codes starting with 606), DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Lake, and Will counties, the Illinois Integrated Care Program enrolled over 36,000 individuals by February 2013, demonstrating its substantial reach and impact.
The core objective of the Illinois Integrated Care Program is to revolutionize healthcare delivery by fostering collaboration among local healthcare providers. This network includes primary care physicians (PCPs), specialists, hospitals, nursing homes, and various other providers, all working in concert to center care around the unique needs of each patient. By enhancing the coordination of medical services, the program aims to proactively maintain the health of its enrollees, thereby preventing unnecessary healthcare expenditures and improving overall well-being.
Members of the Illinois Integrated Care Program experience several key advantages designed to empower them in managing their health and healthcare journey:
- Choice of Healthcare Providers: Enrollees retain the ability to select their preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals within the program’s network, ensuring personalized and accessible care.
- Enhanced Care Coordination: A cornerstone of the program is the emphasis on teamwork. Members benefit from a dedicated team of healthcare professionals who collaborate to deliver the most effective and integrated healthcare experience possible. This coordinated approach ensures seamless transitions and communication between different aspects of care.
- Empowerment in Healthcare Management: The program is structured to give individuals greater control over managing their healthcare needs. By providing resources and support, the Illinois Integrated Care Program enables members to actively participate in decisions regarding their health and treatment plans.
- Access to Additional Programs and Services: Beyond standard medical care, the program offers supplementary programs and services aimed at promoting independent and healthy living. These additional resources are tailored to support the specific needs of older adults and adults with disabilities, fostering a holistic approach to well-being.
To effectively administer the Illinois Integrated Care Program, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has partnered with two experienced managed care organizations: Aetna Better Health and IlliniCare Health Plan.
Aetna Better Health brings to the Illinois Integrated Care Program over 25 years of expertise in Medicaid managed care, operating programs across ten states and serving 1.2 million enrollees. A significant portion of their work involves comprehensive care management for 277,000 older adults and adults with disabilities in nine states. As of February 2013, Aetna Better Health of Illinois boasted a robust provider network comprising 57 hospitals, 2,576 primary care physicians, and 4,260 specialists, ensuring broad access to care for its members.
For those interested in learning more or contacting Aetna Better Health, they can be reached at 1-866-212-2851, with TDD/TTY services available through Illinois Relay 7-1-1. Additional information is also available on the Aetna Better Health Website.
IlliniCare Health Plan, operated by Centene Corporation in Illinois, also contributes extensive experience to the Illinois Integrated Care Program. With over 25 years in Medicaid managed care across 18 states, IlliniCare serves 2.5 million enrollees, including significant populations of older adults and individuals with disabilities. By February 2013, IlliniCare Health Plan’s network included 63 hospitals, 2,373 primary care physicians, and 5,467 specialists, providing a comprehensive healthcare network for its members within the program.
To get in touch with IlliniCare Health Plan, individuals can call 1-866-329-4701, or use the TDD/TTY Illinois Relay service at 7-1-1. Further details can be found on the IlliniCare Website.
For more in-depth information about the Illinois Integrated Care Program, interested parties are encouraged to visit the HFS Website Managed Care section or the Illinois Client Enrollment Services Website. These resources offer comprehensive details and guides related to the Illinois Integrated Care Program, helping individuals fully understand its benefits and how it operates within the Illinois healthcare landscape.
