YouthCare is a specialized healthcare program designed to address the needs of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) youth in care and former youth in care. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and DCFS built the program with parents and advocates for the care of foster children.
We’re proud to be there for members throughout their time in placement and beyond. We connect youth in care to comprehensive, whole-health care and the extra support they need to thrive.
Who YouthCare serves
YouthCare covers more than 35,000 members in Illinois. Members include:
Youth in care
All youth who are currently in the legal custody of DCFS receive healthcare insurance provided by YouthCare.
Former youth in care (FYIC)
All youth, up to age 21, who were previously in the custody of DCFS are eligible for YouthCare. This includes youth who:
- have been adopted
- are living with a family member other than a parent
- have returned to their biological parents
- have left the DCFS system
FYIC from other states
Youth who were in foster care in another state are eligible for YouthCare in Illinois. They can get coverage through YouthCare from age 18 until age 21.
Getting foster children started with YouthCare
All eligible youth are automatically enrolled by DCFS. From that moment, DCFS and YouthCare help connect youth to care services.
Find out what happens once a placement has been made.