MedicaidCoverageMedium impact
Elimination of the Illinois Cares Rx Program
Illinois Medicaid - HFS·IL · Pharmacy·Provider Notice
Effective date
Jul 1, 2012
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
The Illinois Cares Rx (ICRx) prescription drug assistance program has been eliminated effective July 1, 2012 due to budget cuts. Beneficiaries without Medicare will lose state prescription subsidies and become responsible for full drug costs, while Medicare beneficiaries will revert to their Part D plan copayments.
Action Required
By August 1, 2012: Billing team must submit all remaining ICRx claims with dates of service prior to July 1, 2012 to HFS for payment consideration. This includes claims for non-Medicare ICRx members and Medicare Part D excluded drugs for ICRx members with Medicare. Contact Bureau of Pharmacy Services at 1-877-782-5565, option 7 with questions.