Section 102.65  Abandoned Newborn Infant

a)         Effective January 1, 2024, in compliance with the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act [325 ILCS 2] and in coordination with 89 Ill. Adm. Code 300.180, all hospitals shall complete, based on available information, and submit a medical application on behalf of a relinquished newborn infant ("infant") under their care, where:

1)         The infant is 30 days old or less, based on the reasonable belief of a licensed physician; and

2)         The infant was born outside of the hospital and later relinquished to a hospital, police station, fire station or emergency medical facility.

b)         Hospitals providing medical care to the infant shall:

1)         Complete form HFS-2378H (Instructions for Mail-In Application for Medical Benefits Form), which is available on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services' public website; and

2)         Submit form HFS-2378H via email as an attachment to HFS.ACA@Illinois.gov, with subject line "Abandoned Newborn Application".

c)         Applications shall be processed by the Department, and the infant shall be deemed eligible for medical assistance for 12 months. [325 ILCS 2/45]

d)         After the initial eligibility period, the caring agency or adult may submit a new medical application, as the infant will not automatically continue to be eligible for medical assistance at the time of redetermination.

(Source:  Added at 48 Ill. Reg. 13502, effective August 26, 2024)