Welcome to the State of Illinois home page for the HealthLink Open Access network program!

HealthLink is an excellent choice for State of Illinois members and here's why:

• Effective July 1, 2011, Springfield Clinic has been contracted as a Tier I network provider. The contract will remain in effect for five years. Springfield Clinic has confirmed that they will honor HealthLink’s contract now and in the future.


• The HealthLink Open Access network program is available in all Illinois counties.


• The HealthLink Open Access network program has a choice of three benefit levels. Tier I benefits offer the same HMO coverage as State employees have had in the past – the plan pays the highest possible benefit for covered expenses and the member has the lowest possible out-of-pocket costs.


• HealthLink Open Access offers excellent Tier I HMO network access and continues to grow its network each year.


• HealthLink Open Access is more than a traditional HMO. In addition to the Tier I HMO benefit level, the program includes Tier II PPO benefits and Tier III out-of-network benefits. Who you see and where you receive medical care is your choice.


• By offering three choices of benefit coverage, the Open Access program helps put you in control of medical expenses. It’s an easy-to-use plan designed for maximum choice, convenience and value.


• HealthLink currently serves more than 70,000 State employees and their dependents and we consistently receive high member satisfaction survey results.


• HealthLink Open Access network program was awarded the contract for all Illinois counties because it met or exceeded the State’s strict standards of quality, convenient network access and competitive costs.

As a State of Illinois plan participant using HealthLink Open Access network, you have more freedom and fewer restrictions than a traditional HMO, and a broad network of participating physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals from which to choose.

HealthLink is proud to offer an extensive suite of health promotion programs and wellness information. These programs are designed to live a better, healthier life. For an overview of the HealthLink Open Access program, click on the link below. Thank you for choosing HealthLink!

• Open Access Program Overview Brochure
  The booklet includes information on the three tiers of benefits - including the extensive HMO network option, Tier I. It also describes our health promotion programs and valuable member extras. If you would like to download/print the booklet, click on the link below.
  
  2011-2012 HealthLink Open Access Brochure
  


• Temporary ID Cards
  

  Until your permanent ID card arrives, you can print a temporary card to use if you need to visit a HealthLink participating doctor or facility. Your permanent card should arrive soon.



• Benefit Overviews
  HealthLink has provided an overview of your Open Access III benefits from the State of Illinois. Please note, the information included in the documents is intended to summarize your benefits under the State of Illinois CMS Administered Health Plan. For detailed information, please refer to your plan documents or consult your benefit administrator. Select your plan option by clicking on one of the links listed below:
  
  2011-2012 State of Illinois Members
  2011-2012 Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program Participants
  2011-2012 College Insurance Program Participants
  2011-2012 Local Government Health Plan Members
  


• Summary Plan Descriptions
  The State of Illinois has a contractual arrangement with HealthLink, Inc. and its subsidiary, HealthLink HMO, Inc., the Claims Administrator, to access two Provider contracted networks, to provide Medical Management services and to provide claims administration.

  Below are files of Summary Plan Description (SPD) booklets that describe the benefits available to you and your dependents. Please click on the participating member group that applies to you.

  2011-2012 State of Illinois Members
  2011-2012 Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program Participants
  2011-2012 College Insurance Program Participants
  2011-2012 Local Government Health Plan Members
  


• State of Illinois: 2011-2012 Frequently Asked Questions
  Quickly find answers to common questions.
  


• HealthLink Health Insurance Claim Form
  When utilizing out of network providers, please complete the HealthLink Health Insurance Claim Form and mail to the HealthLink address indicated on the form.
  


• Member Access Website
  With HealthLink's secure Member Access Website, you can review personalized Explanation of Benefits and claim payment information instantly and easily, 24/7. You can also access online health and wellness tips and tools, along with valuable information about your benefits.
  


• Two New Health & Wellness Programs – Condition Management and Maternity Management!
  

  Condition Management programs provide individualized support for State of Illinois employees with conditions related to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, coronary artery disease, diabetes and heart failure.Each program addresses the member’s total health, not just the specific condition. With personal support from a “health coach,” a member can feel confident and ready to take on most challenging lifestyle changes successfully. Check with your benefit administrator for enrollment details.

  Maternity Management offers personal support and information for mothers-to-be. The program includes early risk assessment; obstetrical nursing support and post delivery follow up. If you are pregnant, check with your benefit administrator for enrollment details.



• Lifestyle Management
  Lifestyle Management is HealthLink's health and wellness program built around online tools that encourage healthy lifestyle choices. At the heart of the Lifestyle Management program is the MyHealth Assessment (MyHA), an interactive questionnaire that indicates the propensity for certain health conditions based on the results of the personal lifestyle and health assessment. MyHA includes a summary report about your risk level for factors such as alcohol and tobacco use, blood pressure, diet, physical activity and stress, among others. Whether you want to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise more or just feel better, Lifestyle Management can help you set personal goals and keep track of your progress.
  


• 24-Hour Nurse Line
  24-Hour Nurse Line offers access to nurse counselors and audio-taped messages via a health information phone line. The toll-free 24-hour hotline accesses nurse counselors who provide confidential answers to health care questions. Participants talk one-on-one with registered nurses about specific ailments, diseases, treatment options, prescription drugs and nutrition. Callers also may choose to listen to a selection of audio-taped messages on a wide variety of health topics, available in English and Spanish.
  


• Medical Management
  The medical management program helps to ensure that you receive appropriate medical care by setting guidelines for hospitalization, emergency room usage, outpatient surgery and other costly services and medical supplies.
  


• SpecialOffers
  The SpecialOffers program includes third-party online vendor discounts for products and services that help promote health and wellness. Discounts are offered at no additional cost by independent vendors who represent the following service types: Family & Home; Fitness & Health; Vision, Hearing & Dental; and Medicine & Treatment. Using SpecialOffers discounts does not affect the benefit coverage provided by your plan.
  


• HealthLink TV (HLTV)
  An educated consumer can make smarter health care decisions. These 2-3 minute videos include basic information for health care consumers.
  


• Healthy Living
  Online resource tools for health and wellness tips and tools. Take a mini health assessment or read about a daily health tip.
  


• eHouseCall Newsletter
  A monthly newsletter that focuses on health and wellness information for the whole family.
  


• Preventive Health Guidelines
  When should you have a mammogram? When and what kind of immunizations should your children have? These are among the many preventive health measures that you can take to lead a healthier lifestyle. This document includes preventive health guidelines for children, adolescents and adults as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Task Force and other health related agencies.
  


• Enrollee Rights and Responsibilities
  HealthLink believes that health care should be physician-driven and based on a strong relationship between doctor and patient. This document acknowledges some fundamental elements of this relationship and helps you become a better consumer of health care.
  


• Privacy Practices
  


• Pharmacy Benefits
  Links to the State of Illinois CMS Administered Benefit website for information about your pharmacy benefits.