As families and medical providers
focus on responding to COVID-19, YouthCare transition to be
postponed
Launch of enhanced healthcare program
delayed at least 30 days
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[September 04, 2020]
Springfield,
Illinois – Recognizing the unprecedented challenges families,
medical providers, and state agencies are facing from COVID-19, the
launch of YouthCare services for DCFS youth in care will be
postponed a minimum of 30 days, the Illinois Department of
Healthcare and Family Services announced today.
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Letters are being sent to all families and group
homes informing them of this delay. In close coordination with the
Illinois Department of Public Health and stakeholders across the
state, HFS and DCFS will assess the timeline as we move forward and
announce a new transition date as soon as possible.
“With more medical providers than ever, teams of dedicated care
coordinators and other vital services never offered before, we look
forward to offering this enhanced care to vulnerable youth as soon
as possible,” said Theresa Eagleson, Director of the Department of
Healthcare and Family Services. “But the challenges facing our
healthcare system and families at this time as a result of the
coronavirus must be our top focus, and we are determined not to
distract from those crucial priorities.”
“The safety and health of the children we serve is, and always will
be, my top priority,” said Marc Smith, Director of the Department of
Children and Family Services. “The transition to Managed Care will
improve the coordination and access to health services for youth in
care. But addressing the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 outbreak
must be a priority at the moment. Delaying the rollout will allow
DCFS to remain focused on addressing the emerging challenges of
COVID-19 and ensure a smooth transition to YouthCare in the months
ahead.”
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![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2020/Mar/17/images/ads/current/stjohns_lda_EASTER_2020.png)
HFS and DCFS have been working closely with the ACLU
and other crucial stakeholders to bolster several aspects of the
program’s operations. YouthCare already offers more than three times
as many medical providers as the current DCFS healthcare system.
More than 90 percent of major providers in the current system have
already joined YouthCare. The program also offers more providers
across every major category than the current system, from hospitals
and primary care physicians, to vision and dental.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2020/Mar/17/images/ads/current/ldn_business_directory_small_2016.png)
During the delay, YouthCare staff will continue to remain available
to support families, including through the Rapid Response system, at
844-289-2264 or ILYouthCare@centene.com.
[Text from file received from
] |