Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Encyclopedia
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (DHFS) is an executive agency of the U.S. state of Illinois
. It was created in 2005 by an executive order promulgated by former Governor Rod Blagojevich
. Its current director (as of 2010) is Julie Hamos
of Evanston, Illinois.
This Department is based upon the work done and personnel employed by a former State department, the Illinois Department of Public Aid. The Governor also consolidated certain responsibilities related to healthcare procurement into the new department; the consolidated procurement responsibilities included the healthcare purchases of Illinois agencies dealing with State personnel, human services, prisons, and veterans' homes.
The consolidated Department of Healthcare and Family Services provides health care
to many Illinois residents, especially children and senior citizens. It operates the Medicaid
program in Illinois.
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
. It was created in 2005 by an executive order promulgated by former Governor Rod Blagojevich
Rod Blagojevich
Rod R. Blagojevich is an American politician who served as the 40th Governor of Illinois from 2003 to 2009. A Democrat, Blagojevich was a State Representative before being elected to the United States House of Representatives representing parts of Chicago...
. Its current director (as of 2010) is Julie Hamos
Julie Hamos
Julie Hamos was a past Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 18th District since 1999. Her district included the Chicago neighborhood of Rogers Park and the suburbs of Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka and Glencoe.In July 2009, Hamos declared her...
of Evanston, Illinois.
This Department is based upon the work done and personnel employed by a former State department, the Illinois Department of Public Aid. The Governor also consolidated certain responsibilities related to healthcare procurement into the new department; the consolidated procurement responsibilities included the healthcare purchases of Illinois agencies dealing with State personnel, human services, prisons, and veterans' homes.
The consolidated Department of Healthcare and Family Services provides health care
Health care
Health care is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Health care is delivered by practitioners in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers...
to many Illinois residents, especially children and senior citizens. It operates the Medicaid
Medicaid
Medicaid is the United States health program for certain people and families with low incomes and resources. It is a means-tested program that is jointly funded by the state and federal governments, and is managed by the states. People served by Medicaid are U.S. citizens or legal permanent...
program in Illinois.