Community
Organizations

It falls upon community-based organizations to connect people with the information and services needed to improve health and access to health care. Social service agencies, advocacy groups, hospitals, health care providers and community leaders also are often positioned and called upon to represent the interests of their respective constituencies as decisions are made impacting how health care and support services in Illinois are delivered, financed and regulated.

 

Help clients keep their Medicaid. Learn how to deal with redeterminations: Read the Fact Sheet

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

 Q:   I underestimated my 2014 income for premium tax credits. I’m not able to pay the IRS back by April 15. Will I have an additional penalty?

 A:   No.  You will not have to pay a fine if you don’t already owe the IRS money and report the amount of premium tax credits owed in your 2014 tax return.You can file for an extension to pay back the IRS. This release from the IRS explains who will be waived from the penalty and this article from Forbes clarifies the information.

 Q:   Can people with SHOP coverage delay Medicare Part B enrollment without the penalty?

 A:   Yes. A person with SHOP coverage is the viewed the same as a person with an employer group health plan. The same enrollment rules apply. People must enroll in Medicare Part B within 8 months of retirement or their SHOP coverage ending, whatever comes first. This question and answer from Healthcare.gov addresses concerns Medicare beneficiaries may have about the marketplace.

More questions answered – Ask your own question

RESOURCES FOR YOU

TrumpCare: Less for More

This analysis was released by the office of Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin as the House is set to vote on the “American Health Care Act” that would repeal large portions of the Affordable Care Act and dramatically restructure the federal-state Medicaid program, which provides health coverage to nearly 70 million Americans, including more than three million in Illinois. The report provides a district-by-district breakdown of what is at stake in Illinois.

Prescription Assistance Programs

Prescription assistance programs help consumers reduce drug prices or find the best price for medications. This is a list of programs available to consumers. None of these programs are endorsed by Illinois Health Matters or Health & Disability Advocates. (more…)

Managed Long Term Services and Supports

Starting July, 2016 managed care organizations will be responsible for coordinating long-term services and supports for people who live in a nursing facility or receive home and community-based services through a Medicaid waiver program. This April 2016 fact sheet from Health & Disability Advocates informs consumers about the change.

New Observation Status Rules

Starting August 2016, hospitals are required to let people know if they are an outpatient on observation status. This April 2016 fact sheet from Health & Disability Advocates prepares patients for the changes.

More resources