The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) CARES Portal is now open through noon on Oct. 31, 2020. Physicians who participate in Medicaid in the State of Illinois can apply for financial assistance though this portal. 

Any CARES Act funds awarded must be used to cover COVID-19 pandemic related healthcare expenses that were not part of a physician’s annual budget established before March 1, 2020. Those who are eligible must have experienced economic hardship, including:

• Increased healthcare expenses


• Increased expenditures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic 


• Decreased utilization and revenues as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic

Apply for financial assistance by submitting an online application through the  HFS CARES Funding Portal. 

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Be sure to review the portal for eligibility criteria.

If you have questions, call the HFS CARES support line at 866-385-0600, available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or send questions via email. 

You may also contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team with your questions by sending an email.  

This HFS CARES funding is in addition to the federal funding stream we previously reported for physicians who participate in Illinois Medicaid.