MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
COVID-19 Emergency-Related Delays in Spectacle Fabrication
Illinois Medicaid - HFS·IL · Optometry, Ophthalmology·Provider Notice
Effective date
Mar 27, 2020
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Due to COVID-19, Dixon Correctional Facility (where Medicaid eyeglasses are fabricated) is on lockdown, causing delays in spectacle processing. HFS will continue receiving optical invoices and prescription forms but won't process them until normal operations resume.
Action Required
Immediately: Inform patients covered under Illinois Medicaid fee-for-service that eyeglass orders will be delayed indefinitely due to facility lockdown. Continue submitting HFS 1443 invoices and Optical Prescription Order forms as normal - they will be held for processing once operations resume. Subscribe to Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services email notifications for updates on when fabrication will resume.