While our previous guide on medical transportation benefits covered how to access free rides to your appointments, Illinois Medicaid offers many other valuable services that often go underutilized. Understanding these additional benefits can significantly improve your healthcare experience and overall quality of life.
1. Telehealth Services: Healthcare From Home
Telehealth has revolutionized how many Illinois Medicaid recipients receive care, especially since the pandemic changed healthcare delivery permanently.
What’s Covered:
- Virtual doctor consultations
- Mental health therapy sessions
- Follow-up appointments
- Medication management
- Some specialist consultations
How to Access It: Most Illinois Medicaid managed care plans now offer telehealth options. Contact your plan’s member services to set up your online patient portal, download any required apps, and understand which providers offer virtual visits.
Pro Tip: Even if you utilize telehealth, remember that transportation benefits still apply for necessary in-person visits like lab work or imaging studies.
2. Prescription Medication Benefits & Delivery Options
Managing medications is crucial for many patients with chronic conditions.
Key Benefits:
- $0 copay for many generic medications
- Mail-order pharmacy options with free delivery
- 90-day supply options for maintenance medications
- Medication management programs
- Pharmacist consultation services
Cost-Saving Strategy: Ask your doctor about generic alternatives, which are typically fully covered. For brand-name medications, check if your plan offers a prescription assistance program.
Home Delivery: Many Illinois Medicaid recipients don’t realize that prescription delivery is available. This service pairs excellently with our transportation benefits when mobility is limited.
3. Preventive Care Services at No Cost
Preventive care helps catch issues before they become serious medical problems.
Covered Preventive Services:
- Annual wellness exams
- Cancer screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies, etc.)
- Immunizations and vaccines
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings
- Depression and mental health screenings
Scheduling Tip: Combine multiple preventive services in one visit when possible, and use your transportation benefit to ensure you make these critical appointments.
4. Home Health Services & Durable Medical Equipment
For those with mobility challenges or chronic conditions, home-based care can be life-changing.
Available Services:
- Skilled nursing visits
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy at home
- Medical equipment (wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen)
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Personal care assistance
Qualification Process: These services typically require a doctor’s order and prior authorization. Work with your primary care provider to document medical necessity.
Coordination Tip: Home health services complement transportation benefits, especially for patients who find travel particularly challenging due to medical conditions.
Perhaps the most underutilized benefit is having a dedicated professional help navigate the complex healthcare system.
What Care Coordinators Provide:
- Help scheduling appointments across different providers
- Assistance understanding benefits and coverage
- Connection to community resources
- Support with treatment plan adherence
- Transition assistance between care settings (hospital to home)
How to Request It: Call your Medicaid managed care plan’s member services number and specifically ask about care coordination or case management services.
When It’s Most Valuable: After a new diagnosis, when managing multiple chronic conditions, following hospital discharge, or when needing help connecting various aspects of your care.
The key to maximizing your Illinois Medicaid coverage is understanding how these benefits work together:
- Plan Ahead: Schedule regular appointments and transportation simultaneously
- Ask Questions: Never hesitate to contact member services about benefits you’re unsure of
- Keep Records: Maintain a folder with benefit information, contact numbers, and confirmation details
- Be Proactive: Don’t wait until health issues become emergencies
- Stay Informed: Benefit details can change annually, so review your coverage regularly
- Illinois Medicaid Customer Service: 1-800-843-6154
- Illinois Health Benefits Hotline: 1-800-226-0768
- Your Managed Care Plan’s Member Services (found on your insurance card)
- Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
- Community health centers in your area for in-person assistance
Understanding and using all available Medicaid benefits can significantly improve your health outcomes while reducing financial strain. While transportation removes one major barrier to care, these additional benefits address many other aspects of comprehensive healthcare.
Remember that as an Illinois Medicaid recipient, these services are your right—not just a privilege. Take full advantage of everything available to you for better health and wellbeing.
Need help with transportation to access any of these services? Contact us or email us at support@ridewithexceltransportation.com to learn how we can help you get to your healthcare appointments safely and reliably.
This article is meant to provide general information and should not be taken as medical or legal advice. Benefit details may vary based on your specific Medicaid plan and eligibility. Always verify coverage with your specific managed care plan before scheduling services.
