A representative from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services said Wednesday that outreach efforts continue on new rules for a program that offers Medicaid-like coverage for certain undocumented individuals. [Health News Illinois]

Ben Winick, HFS chief of staff, told members of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules that they have spent the past month meeting with and receiving feedback from a variety of stakeholders.

Along with providers like Sinai Chicago, Winick said meetings have been held with groups like the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant Refugee Rights, Healthy Community Foundation and Shriver Center on Poverty Law.

The rules, unveiled earlier this summer, include a pause on new enrollees between the age of 42 and 64 and ​​copays for hospital services not eligible for a federal match.

Winick told lawmakers they are “very close to finalizing” a customer notice for individuals enrolled in the program as well as a provider notice to better clarify the copay process, specifically to aid individuals where English may not be a first language.

Additionally, Winick said a virtual public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 5 to discuss permanent rule changes for the program. 

Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, said she anticipates continued interest in future rules related to the program.

"This will be a topic of conversation that's going to be continuing here before JCAR,” she said.

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