Illinois medical card (HFS): what it is and how to use it

In short: in Illinois, Medicaid is commonly called the "medical card". The State of Illinois Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Medical Card is a paper card that shows you are enrolled for medical benefits. Take it and a picture ID to every healthcare appointment.

Not a government site. This guide is independent and not affiliated with the State of Illinois, HFS, DHS or FMCSA. To apply, report changes or ask about your case, use the official numbers and links below.

What is on the card

The card lists the name, Medical Card ID number (your Recipient Identification Number, or RIN) and date of birth for each person in the household who is enrolled. Keep it somewhere safe and never let anyone else use it.

How to use it

• Bring the card and a picture ID to every appointment. Your provider uses it to see which services you are eligible for.
• If you are in a managed care plan, you may also get a separate card from your health plan. Bring both.
• Providers are required to check your eligibility when they see you.

Forgot the card?

You can still get care. Give your provider your Medical Card number, or any two of these: your name, Social Security Number, date of birth.

Keep it, even if your benefits end

HFS issues the card once, not every month. If your benefits end, keep the card: you can use it again if you become eligible later. If you have a spenddown, keep the card to use once your spenddown is met.

Check your coverage by phone

The number on the back of the card, 1-855-828-4995, is a 24-hour automated line to confirm whether you are currently eligible.

Different coverage groups, same card

Illinois Medicaid includes several coverage groups, including All Kids, FamilyCare, ACA Adults, Moms and Babies, Former Foster Care, and Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD) medical.