Last updated: March 7, 2023
These are some helpful terms to know when you receive Medicaid.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a name for health insurance from the state. It also has program names depending on what type of Medicaid program you are in. Pregnant women are in Moms and Babies. Children are in All Kids. Older adults and people with disabilities are in AABD. Other adults are in ACA Adult.
MCO or Managed Care Plan
Most people in Medicaid are in a Managed Care Plan, also called a Managed Care Organization (MCO) or health plan. This is a group or network of doctors, hospitals and pharmacies that you can go to with your Medicaid card.
The new, statewide Medicaid Managed Care program in Illinois is called HealthChoice Illinois. In HealthChoice Illinois, you will enroll with a primary care provider (PCP) in a managed care health plan. You can learn more about how to select a plan and doctor here.
Preventive Care
Routine health care that includes screenings and checkups to prevent or detect illnesses, disease or other health problems.
Primary Care Provider
A doctor who you choose who you must usually see first when you are sick or injured. They can refer you to other doctors or to the hospital.
Redetermination
Medicaid coverage must be renewed once a year. This is called redetermination. You will receive a letter in the mail or a notice on your Manage My Case (MMC) account when it is time to renew. This generally happens at a different time from when you pick or enroll in an MCO.