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You can get an application for the All Kids program by:
- Applying online,
- Downloading an application from the internet,
- Having an application mailed to you, or
- Visiting an All Kids Application Agent (including at your local Department of Human Services Office).
The easiest way to apply is online. It is often better to apply online because:
- It is faster,
- You don’t have to go to an office and wait in line, and
- You will have a tracking number for your application.
A tracking number is proof that you applied in case you need to check on the status of your application. You may still need to mail in documents.
To have an application sent to you in the mail, call:
- 1-866-All-Kids (1-866-255-5437)
- 1-877-204-1012 (TTY)
The hotline has translation services available.
Make sure to provide copies of all documents that are requested on the application. Make a copy of the application before you send it in. Keep the copy for your personal records. Also make a copy of any other communication you have with All Kids.
You can apply for All Kids with an All Kids Application Agent, including at your local Department of Human Services Office, where you can get help with your application. This is recommended if you have a complicated situation. For example:
- You have income from social security or child support,
- You have high medical bills, or
- You are applying for a family member with a disability.
If you submit an application online, you can fill it out on the All Kids website. You may still need to mail signed documents separately.
When you download the application or have it mailed to you, you can then mail it to:
All Kids Unit
P.O. Box 19122
Springfield, IL 62794-9122
If you did not send in all the necessary information, All Kids will send you a letter telling you what information they still need.
All Kids will generally mail you their decision within 45 days of getting your application. If your child qualifies, they will send you a member handbook that explains the program. You will also get a member card.
All Kids, FamilyCare, and Moms & Babies will send members an All Kids/FamilyCare/Moms & Babies paper that folds into a medical card so it is wallet sized. Members should carry this card at all times. Show it whenever you check in for a medical appointment. Members in a managed care plan will receive a member card that they should carry with them in addition to the medical care card. Note the managed care plan may not cover all health services. Both the medical care card and managed care member card should be shown.
If you have problems with your card, errors on your card, or the card is lost, call the All Kids hotline at 1-866-255-5437 or 1-877-204-1012 (TTY).
If you get an approval letter and do not want the coverage, you must contact 1-866-255-5437 right away to cancel. If you do not cancel the coverage, you may owe money for premiums, even if you do not use the All Kids insurance.
If your application is not approved, you will be sent a letter telling you why you do not qualify. You can appeal this decision. Your decision letter will tell you how to appeal.
Appealing a decision made by All Kids
If your application or application for renewal for All Kids is denied, you have the right to appeal. An appeal is a complaint you make when you feel an action was wrong. When you appeal an action, you are asking for a fair hearing about it. Your decision letter will tell you how to appeal.
To start your appeal, you must send a written, signed request for a fair hearing or fill out a Notice of Appeal Form. A fair hearing is a meeting between you, an officer, and someone from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. You can talk about your complaint during the fair hearing, and the fair hearing officer will decide what to do.
You should send the letter or form to your local Department of Human Services office or by writing to:
The Department at Bureau of Administrative Hearings
401 South Clinton Street, 6th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60607
Or fax it to 1-312-793-0095
Or mail your letter or form to:
All Kids Unit
PO Box 19122
Springfield, IL 62794
Your appeal should be sent within 60 days after you got your rejection letter.
If you are appealing the amount you are required to pay for either premiums or co-payments, you must still continue to make payments during the appeal process.
You can also call 1-800-435-0074 or 1-877-734-7429 (TTY) to make an appeal over the telephone. These numbers should only be used to file an appeal.
Renewing an All Kids membership
If your child is eligible for All Kids, they have 12 months of guaranteed coverage unless they move out of Illinois or turn 19. You will receive a reminder to renew 10 months after coverage starts for your child.
Medicaid eligibility is re-determined every year. This means that you will receive a letter each year asking whether your information is still correct or if your circumstances such as your income have changed. You should watch for this letter and respond if you have to so your Medicaid coverage continues. It is very important to keep your address up to date with DHS so that you receive your mail. You can update your information at the DHS website, by mail, by phone or with the USPS.
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