Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
The non-profit iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park connects youth with intellectual disabilities, autism and various learning difficulties in suburban Chicago to holistic, innovative special education services. The center offers a welcoming education setting where neurodiverse youth have access to the skills, resources and opportunities necessary to thrive beyond their labels. iCan Dream Center programs include:
- Training
- Transition to adulthood support
- After-school recreational therapeutic programming for youth
- Once a month, cost-free Saturday Experiences for young adults
- Counseling
- Parent support group and more
For questions, please contact the iCan Dream Center at info@icandreamcenter.com or (708) 798-4200.
Icing Smiles is a nonprofit organization that provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families affected by a child’s critical illness or an illness that requires frequent hospitalizations.
IDPH Newborn Screening Program
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Newborn Screening Program consists of screening and follow-up for disorders identified through testing a dried blood spot, as well as hearing screening and pulse oximetry screening. Newborn screening is typically performed within 24 to 48 hours of life to detect conditions or disorders in newborns soon after birth. These tests can help determine if a newborn has a condition or disease that can be improved with early treatment.
IDPH also offers information about genomics and genetic services, including:
- Information on understanding genetic conditions
- Genetic counseling
- Where to find genetic services and more
IFLOSS is a public-private partnership that aims to improve the oral health of all Illinois residents through advocacy and education.
igrow supports pregnant people and parents with young children ages birth to 5 who live in communities that face greater risks and barriers to achieving positive maternal and child health outcomes.
igrow home visiting provides family support and coaching to young parents who may be inexperienced and often do not have family support. Trained professionals are matched with families based on each family’s needs. To find a home visiting program in a specific community, use igrow’s interactive map to see the listing of specific communities that offer coordinated intake for home visiting services
If you need help finding a home visiting program, email dhs.homevisiting@illinois.gov.
ILHousingSearch.org is a free bilingual online resource for renters and property providers in Illinois.
You can search for affordable, accessible and market-rate housing to fit your needs and budget.
For additional assistance, call (877) 428-8844 (toll-free) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dial 7-1-1 for TTY.
Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics
Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (IAFCC) fosters partnerships aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for low-income individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. IAFCC provides webinars, resources for patients, and a statewide directory of free and charitable clinics.
For questions or more information, please call IAFCC at (630) 755-1215.
Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans Toolkits and Resources
The Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP) provides tips and tools to help Medicaid enrollees maintain their coverage. IAMHP also provides several toolkits and brochures for Medicaid members, including:
- The Illinois Medicaid MCO (Managed Care Organization) Transportation Toolkit to help members with scheduling transportation for medical appointments. It is available in English and Spanish.
- The IAMHP Medicaid Benefit Brochure to guide current and future Medicaid members to understand the comprehensive benefits the Medicaid program provides, the added benefits of being enrolled in Medicaid managed care and how to enroll in each program. It is available in English and Spanish.
- The MCO Maternal Benefits Toolkit to help pregnant people on Medicaid understand their maternal health benefits.
- The MCO Maternal Health Toolkit to help support pregnant people and families on Medicaid with resources to support mental health conditions that arise during and after pregnancy.
You can find these toolkits and more resources on the IAMHP website.
Illinois Attorney General Health Care Helpline
The Illinois Attorney General Health Care Bureau has a toll-free helpline that allows consumers to ask questions, file complaints or request assistance. You can call the Health Care Helpline at (877) 305-5145. Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities can reach it by using the 711 Relay Service.
Health Care Bureau attorneys conduct investigations and file lawsuits to enforce consumer protection laws. This brochure provides information on how their staff members can assist consumers in many areas, including:
- Denial of coverage or treatment
- Concerns about healthcare providers
- Billing disputes and recovering unfair out-of-pocket expenses
- Navigating the health insurance appeals process
- Understanding your health care rights and consumer protection laws
- Correcting health plan or provider errors
For more information, the Illinois Attorney General provides brochures, including:
Illinois Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection
The Illinois Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection responds to consumer complaints in areas including health care services and providers, home repair, identity theft and more. It also enforces related Illinois consumer fraud laws. The division also provides consumer alerts and recalls, and publications and information to help consumers understand their rights and how to protect themselves.
Consumer Protection resources also include:
- Identity theft prevention tips
- Auto buying, financing and repair tips
- Advocating for consumers around health care, medications and public health concerns
- Information on home repair and construction services
- Help for businesses and more