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August 25, 2025

HFS Accepting Applications for Beneficiary Advisory Council 

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is recruiting members to join the newly forming Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC). The BAC will be comprised of current and former Medicaid members, family members of Medicaid members, and caregivers with experience supporting Medicaid customers. Interested beneficiaries can apply here. The first round of applications is due by Friday August 29th, although HFS will continue to accept additional applications on a rolling basis.  

Beneficiary Advisory Councils Explained 

The Illinois Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) emerged in response to new federal requirements passed under the Biden Administration on May 10, 2024. This rule requires states to engage Medicaid members in state Medicaid policy and program development. While federal regulations have long required Medicaid agencies to convene Medical Care Advisory Committees, the regulation has only required participation by providers, government, and consumer group representatives. A growing body of evidence demonstrates the importance of incorporating Medicaid beneficiaries into the policy making process.  

Members of the BAC will advise HFS on their lived experience with the current Illinois Medicaid program and will make Medicaid policy and program recommendations. Hearing directly from Medicaid beneficiaries will provide state agencies with key insights into how the program is run and where changes can be made. Illinois BAC members will need to serve at least a two-year term and attend four quarterly 2-hour meetings virtual or in person. Additionally, 25% of BAC members will be required to serve on the Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC). 

Avisery urges professionals to encourage any interested Medicaid customers to apply and/or to share the application with their networks. Interested parties can click here to see HFS’s information and expectations for the BAC. 

If you have questions or need help counseling older adults and adults with disabilities on Medicare, Medicaid, or other health benefits programs, reach out to Avisery's "Ask the Expert" service for professionals at

avisery@ageoptions.org or 708-628-3440

About Avisery

Avisery by AgeOptions provides tools and support to professionals serving older adults and people with disabilities, enabling them to help their clients access healthcare coverage that allows them to thrive as they age.