Several federal and state sites have accessible areas and programs.

For over 2000 federal recreation sites, a lifetime pass is available for people with disabilities. The pass offers free entry to sites that normally charge a fee and discounts on other services like camping, beach access, and tours. Passes are valid at federal recreation sites, including National Parks! To obtain an application or see where to go in person to request a pass, visit the Access Pass Overview at www.recreation.gov.

You can also enjoy the outdoors through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Disabled Outdoor Opportunities Program. It offers opportunities for accessible hunting and fishing. The program also aims to

• eliminate barriers to participation
• expand the use of trails, picnic areas, boat launches, and camping sites
• develop more accessible restrooms and shower houses

Do you have suggestions for the Disabled Outdoor Opportunities Program? Contact Jay Williams at (618) 435-8138 x130.

Old Capitol Farmer’s Market can double the value of your SNAP benefit!

When you shop Springfield’s Old Capitol Farmer’s Market, turn your SNAP benefit into double value tokens. As an example, the market can scan your card for $10 and give you $20 in tokens.

Double value tokens are good toward the purchase of whole, unprocessed produce. Any tokens you don’t spend can be held and used next time you visit the market.

To purchase tokens, stop by the market booth at 4th and Adams. Market hours are Wednesdays 3:00pm-6:30pm and Saturdays 8:00am-12:30pm.

For more information, view the SNAP farmers market flyer.

Don’t miss your All Kids / Medicaid review letter!

Each year, All Kids (Medicaid) eligibility is reviewed by Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to make sure you still qualify for your public health benefits.

If any documentation is needed to review your eligibility, you will receive a letter from HFS. The first letter tells you that eligibility is being reviewed and requires a response from you. Approximately 10 days later, you receive the actual redetermination paperwork from HFS. HFS will notify you of your eligibility status when the review is completed.

It is important for you to take the actions requested, in the time frame noted on your paperwork, so you don’t lose you health benefits. If you do not respond within 22 days of the first letter, your eligibility is ended.

Once eligibility is ended, you have 90 days to contact HFS to request redetermination paperwork be sent again. If you do not reach them within 90 days, Medicaid coverage will lapse and you will need to re-apply for benefits.

Here are some DOs and DON’Ts from Specialized Care for Children’s Benefits Management Unit

• DO submit paperwork before the required deadline since there is no guarantee of retroactive eligibility once your status is ended.
• DON’T put off submitting your paperwork. While it may be possible to request an emergency 7-day eligibility period, this is not guaranteed and is granted one-time only.
• DO call the Illinois Redetermination Project to verify they received your paperwork a few days after your mail it.

For more information, contact the Illinois Redetermination Project.
Phone: (855) 458-4945
Fax: (855) 394-8066
Mail: PO Box 1242, Chicago, IL 60690-1242
Frequently Asked Questions webpage

Unable to pay her portion of her child’s medical bills, this parent turned to care coordination.

With the birth of her child this past October, a single mother went deep into debt with her portion of her child’s medical bills. She had insurance, but still needed to pay the uncovered amount. After many applications for charity assistance, this mother was left with a balance that she knew she would not be able to pay.

The family’s Program Coordinator Assistant, Karla, helped this mom complete an application for a grant through Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.  The family just received happy news that they have been approved for the full amount to cover the medical bills.