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COVID-19 Testing is Free to Illinois Residents
Illinois Medicaid - HFS·IL·Provider Notice
Effective date
May 18, 2020
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Illinois healthcare providers must provide COVID-19 diagnostic testing and related services free of charge to all Illinois residents regardless of insurance or immigration status. Providers who have been charging patients must immediately stop, reimburse patients who paid out-of-pocket, and properly bill claims to insurers or new state/federal uninsured testing programs.
Action Required
Immediately: Stop charging Illinois residents for COVID-19 tests and testing-related services. Reimburse all patients who have paid out-of-pocket for these services. Stop requiring COVID-19 antibody tests as a condition for diagnostic testing. Billing team must enroll in Illinois IMPACT system and HRSA COVID-19 program to submit claims for uninsured patients. For insured patients, bill insurers directly without charging deductibles, co-pays, or cost-sharing. Failure to comply risks state investigation and sanctions.