At YouthCare, we cover healthcare services foster children and teens need. We offer extra benefits, too. Members are able to access services that can address their unique needs and support their whole health.
Essential benefits
A network across Illinois
Our large provider and pharmacy network is there for families across the state, offering no-cost medical, mental health, dental, vision, and pharmacy services.
24/7 Nurse Advice Line
Call 884-289-2264 (TTY: 711) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can talk with a nurse about your foster child's symptoms and discuss treatment options.
MindCare mental health care
Members access a range of no-cost mental health care services through YouthCare MindCare. Every child and teen lives with unique needs. That’s why we’ll tailor care and support to the individual.
Find out about coverage and benefits.
If a YouthCare member is having a mental health crisis, call the statewide 24-hour Crisis and Referral Entry Services (CARES) line at 800-345-9049 (TTY: 773-523-4504). The CARES line staff will provide urgent support. If anyone in your family has thoughts of harming themselves or others, call 988. You’ll be connected to a mental health professional.
Extras for foster kids
Beyond care services, we offer extra benefits and rewards that help foster youth grow stronger and healthier. (Some extra benefits are available only to certain age groups.)
- Free after-school care
- Three free school uniforms every year
- Free gym membership at select locations
- Free rides to care appointments
- My Health Pays™ rewards when your foster child gets needed care
Training and support for foster families
Learn and connect with other foster and adoptive parents. We offer in-person sessions and live webinars. There are also trauma-informed peer support groups.
Adolescent to Adulthood (a2A)
When young adults leave the DCFS system, their healthcare needs don’t. a2A is the YouthCare program that supports youth when they reach the age of 17. a2A keeps helping these youth through age 21.
Getting Started
All eligible youth are automatically enrolled in YouthCare and are covered from the moment of placement. Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) caseworkers and HealthWorks help with enrollment and care assessments.
Right from the start, YouthCare will be there for you and your family. We’ll provide information and education to help you get the most out of YouthCare. Each member will also have a GuidedCare Care Coordinator to help develop a plan of care and make sure the member gets all needed care and support.