State to delay transfer of DCFS youths to managed care

State officials said Monday they will delay the transfer of thousands of children under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services to Medicaid managed care for at least 30 days.

In a joint statement, Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Theresa Eagleson and Department of Children and Family Services Director Marc Smith said the “unprecedented challenges” caused by the new coronavirus make it impossible to effectively rollout the implementation by April 1.

“With more medical providers than ever, teams of dedicated care coordinators and other vital services never offered before, we look forward to offering this enhanced care to vulnerable youth as soon as possible,” Eagleson said. “But the challenges facing our healthcare system and families at this time as a result of the coronavirus must be our top focus, and we are determined not to distract from those crucial priorities.”

Both departments said they will reassess the timeline and announce a new transition date “as soon as possible.” They will continue to work with the ACLU and other stakeholders to improve aspects of the plans, such as bringing more providers into the system.

“The transition to managed care will improve the coordination and access to health services for youth in care,” Smith said. “But addressing the unprecedented crisis of (the coronavirus) outbreak must be a priority at the moment.”