MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
Acceptance of Illinois Cares Rx Card
Illinois Medicaid - HFS·IL · Pharmacy·Provider Notice
Effective date
Jan 10, 2006
We identified it
Jun 21, 2026
Summary
Healthcare providers must accept Illinois Cares Rx cards and MediPlan cards for eligible beneficiaries, including those age 65+ who are not enrolled in Medicare. The policy clarifies that not all seniors are Medicare-eligible and emphasizes proper billing procedures for state prescription assistance programs.
Action Required
Immediately: All pharmacy staff must accept Illinois Cares Rx and MediPlan cards for eligible beneficiaries regardless of age. Train staff that not all individuals 65+ have Medicare coverage. Bill using the provided MediPlan or Illinois Cares Rx billing information instead of rejecting these cards.