As a CountyCare member, you get extra benefits and rewards on top of your regular health care coverage.
Extra Benefits & Rewards
CountyCare wants to support you and your family in staying healthy.
CountyCare OTC Rewards Card
The CountyCare OTC Rewards Card Program lets you earn rewards to spend on health and household items at participating stores.
How it works:
When you or your children go to the doctor for certain services CountyCare will send you a CountyCare OTC Rewards Card in the mail. The card will have a cash credit on it based on the services you or your children received. Once you activate the card you can use it to purchase items from several stores including Dollar General, Walgreens, Walmart and more! Anytime you see your doctor for an eligible service CountyCare will credit your existing card with the eligible amount.
Members have six months from the date the reward is added to their OTC card to use the credit. After six months the reward will expire.
- Use the card to purchase household and health items from these participating stores.
- CVS (not in Target stores)
- Dollar General
- Family Dollar
- Walmart
- Walgreens
- Keep your card! We will add more rewards as you earn them.
- Alcohol and tobacco products cannot be purchased.
- Get the Free Smartphone App – You can keep up with the CountyCare Rewards Program on your phone. Download the OTC Card Network app for Apple or Android to:
- Check your balance
- Locate stores
- View eligible items and discounts
Rewards:
CountyCare will give each member 16 months and older a $25 reward for seeing their assigned PCP for an annual check-up.
CountyCare will give each member a $15 credit on their rewards card once a year for completing a health risk screening. Call Member Services to be connected with your care coordinator to complete the screening.
Pregnant members should see their doctor regularly, including after you have your baby.
- $10 reward per prenatal visit, up to 14 visits
- $25 reward for a visit to your doctor 3-8 weeks after you have your baby
You can get rewards on your child’s card for taking your baby to the doctor in their first 15 months
- $50 for the first visit in the first month
- $10 for the next five visits
You get rewards on your child’s card for taking your baby for vaccinations before they turn 2 years old.
- $10 for the first 10 immunizations
Women ages 50 to 74 can earn a $25 reward each year when they get their mammogram
When a member with diabetes goes for their annual PCP visit and gets their blood tests and urine screens, CountyCare will add $25 to their Rewards Card.
Members who follow up with their doctors after ER visits or inpatient stays will receive the following rewards:
- $20 for seeing your doctor within 7 days after an emergency room visit for behavioral health; or
- $10 if it is more than 7 days but within 30 days after an emergency room visit for behavioral health.
- $20 for seeing your doctor within 7 days after an inpatient behavioral health stay; or
- $10 if it is more than 7 days but within 30 days after an inpatient behavioral health stay.
$20 for seeing your doctor within 14 days after an inpatient hospital stay.
Learn more about the CountyCare OTC Rewards Card:
What Can I Buy With My Rewards Card?
Here are some examples of what you can buy with your CountyCare OTC Rewards Card.
BABY CARE
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Nursing items
- Baby powder
- Diaper bags
- Bottles
- Formula
- Training pants
- Children’s medicines
- Children’s cough and cold medicines
- Children’s allergy medicines
- Children’s stomach medicine
- Children’s vitamins
- Baby food
- Pacifiers
- Teething relief
- Baby clothes
- Toys
- Bibs
WOMEN’S CARE
- Feminine pads and tampons
- Panty liners
- Nursing items
- Antifungal creams
PAIN RELIEF
- Aspirin
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Muscle pain creams
- Joint pain medicines
DIGESTION MEDICINES
- Antacids
- Laxatives
- Stomach medicines
- Anti-gas medicines
- Diarrhea treatments
- Hemorrhoid creams
DIABETIC SUPPLIES
- Foot bath supplies
- Home health items
- ACE bandages
- Bathtub and toilet rails
- Grab bars
- Mattress covers
- Air purifiers
WELLNESS ITEMS
- Vitamins
- Nutrition bars
- Sports drinks
- Weight loss food and shakes
- Sun care
- Aspirin
- Insect repellents
EVERYDAY NEEDS
- Deodorants
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Denture supplies
- Chapstick
- Mouthwash
- Band-Aids
- Shaving cream and razors
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Soap and body wash
- Body lotions
- Sunscreen
- First aid kits
- Wireless phone cards
- Air & fabric fresheners
- Cleaners & waxes
- Cleaning tools
- Plastic foil & paper products
- Insecticides, rodenticides & pesticides
- Eye care
- Contact solution
- Contact cases
- Eye drops
- Reading glasses
- Sunglasses
CountyCare OTC Rewards Card cannot be used to buy alcohol or tobacco products.
Brighter Beginnings for Expecting and New Parents
Brighter Beginnings is a program to help expecting families and babies stay healthy during pregnancy and after the baby is born.
We are here to help support you through your pregnancy. The program guides you through prenatal appointments and explains how you can make sure your baby has health coverage.
During Pregnancy
You can earn $10 on a CountyCare Rewards Card for going to your prenatal visits (up to 14 visits).
You can also receive a $25 reward when you see your provider for a check-up 3-8 weeks after your baby’s birth. The card can be used for home and health items from stores like Walgreens, CVS (not at Target stores), Dollar General and Walmart.
CountyCare provides free car seats to our expectant parents. Call us at 312-864-8200 to request a car seat if you are pregnant or for your children who are CountyCare members after watching a car seat safety video. We encourage pregnant women to call one month before their due date so they have a car seat when the baby is born.
CountyCare covers an automatic blood pressure monitor, so you can check your own blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause problems for you and your baby during and after pregnancy. If you are pregnant, you can request one from your prenatal provider and have it delivered to your home.
If you see your prenatal provider for at least 7 prenatal visits, you can get a free Sleep Safe Kit delivered to your home. Call us at 312-864-8200 at any time during your pregnancy to request a Sleep Safe Kit.
The kit includes:
- Graco portable crib with fitted sheet
- Halo SleepSack
- Baby Sleep board book
- Pacifier
After the Baby is Born
One of the most important things you can do is to make sure your baby has health coverage. In the week after your baby is born, call the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1-800-843-6154 or log on to the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) System at www.abe.illinois.gov.
After you log on to ABE, go to Manage My Case to add your baby and choose to stay with CountyCare. If you would like assistance getting your baby enrolled, please reach out to your care coordinator who can walk you through the ABE process or contact Member Services at 312-864-8200.
CountyCare covers double electric breast pumps. When your baby is born, your provider can order the pump from several companies. You can pick it up or have it delivered to your home.
All families with a baby under 2 years old will receive a coupon in the mail once a month for a free pack of diapers. CountyCare will automatically mail the coupon when your baby’s shots are up-to-date.
As a part of our Rewards Program, you can earn a $50 reward when you bring your baby in for a check-up within one month of your baby’s birth. Earn $10 for the next five visits. Earn a $10 reward for up to 10 immunizations.
CountyCare provides free car seats to our expectant parents. Call us at 312-864-8200 to request a free car seat if you are pregnant or for your children who are CountyCare members after watching a car seat safety video. We encourage pregnant women to call one month before their due date so they have a car seat when the baby is born.
If you did not request a car seat while you were pregnant and you still need one after the baby is born, you can call Member Services at 312-864-8200 and we will ship one to your home.
Free LASIK Eye Surgery
CountyCare is the first and only Medicaid plan in Illinois that covers LASIK surgery.
What is LASIK eye surgery?
LASIK is a surgical procedure that is used to correct vision problems by reshaping the corneas. It can be effective in fixing your vision for distance and astigmatism. It may not be as effective for correcting your vision seeing things near or close up. After surgery, you may no longer need contacts or glasses.
What is LASIK surgery?
LASIK is a surgical procedure to correct vision problems by reshaping the corneas. It can be effective in fixing your vision for distance and astigmatism. It may not be as effective for correcting your vision seeing things near or close up. After surgery, you may no longer need contacts or glasses. Starting in September, CountyCare members who qualify are eligible to have LASIK surgery free of charge.
Is the procedure safe? Are there any risks?
While LASIK has been shown to be safe and effective, there can be complications or side effects. Make sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your eye doctor or your primary care provider (PCP).
How do I know if LASIK is right for me?
You will need a series of examinations to confirm that you are a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. First, you need to schedule an appointment with any eye doctor in the CountyCare network for a general eye exam. If that provider believes LASIK may be appropriate, an eye care specialist with LASIK training will examine your eyes and decide if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery.
Patients who might be eligible:
- Are 21 to 50 years old*
- Are in good general health
- Have no health issues affecting eyes
- Have no active eye conditions that may affect healing
- Have a stable vision prescription for at least one year
- Do not have severe dry eye or advanced glaucoma
- Are not pregnant or nursing
- Do not have uncontrolled diabetes
*Members over 50 years old with no indication of cataracts, and who meet the health criteria, may be eligible for LASIK surgery and should schedule a general eye exam with an in-network doctor to complete the LASIK Evaluation Form
I’m healthy now but have been recently sick. Should I be able to get the surgery?
You will need a series of examinations to confirm that you are a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery.
I haven’t decided which Medicaid plan I’ll choose for next year. Is LASIK surgery covered by other insurers?
CountyCare is the first and only Medicaid plan in Illinois to cover LASIK surgery.
Will I have a copayment or other costs?
There are no costs to members for the exams and surgery. You must be a CountyCare member the day of surgery to be covered.
Can I have the surgery at my local hospital?
CountyCare only covers LASIK when the procedure is performed at Cook County Health. If you are eligible, your LASIK surgery will be scheduled within 30 days of your exam.
Can my primary care provider (PCP) test to see if LASIK is right for me?
No. You will need to see an eye doctor to confirm if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral from a PCP but your eye doctor will need to do an exam and complete the LASIK Evaluation Form.
Can you send me the LASIK Evaluation Form?
It can be found on the Member Resources page. If you do not have a printer, you can call CountyCare Member Services to have a form mailed to you.
How long do the effects last? Will I need to have another surgery over time?
If you are approved for the eye doctor exam, the doctor will tell you about the long-term effects of the surgery.
This is a big decision. How can I learn more? Please talk with your PCP and eye doctor about the surgery. You can also call CountyCare member services at 312-864-8200 for details or if you have questions about the evaluation process.
Who's eligible?
You will go through an eye exam and a refractive exam to determine if you are a candidate. Only a trained eye care doctor can tell you if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery. You must also be a CountyCare member the day of surgery to be covered. All LASIK eye surgery procedures will be performed at Cook County Health.
- Are 21 to 50 years old*
- Are in good general health
- Have no health issues affecting eyes
- Have no active eye conditions which may affect healing
- Have a stable vision prescription for at least one year
- Do not have severe dry eye or advanced glaucoma
- Are not pregnant or nursing
- Do not have uncontrolled diabetes
*Members over 50 years old with no indication of cataracts, and who meet the health criteria, may be eligible for LASIK surgery and should schedule a general eye exam with an in-network doctor to complete the LASIK evaluation form
Is LASIK eye surgery right for you?
While LASIK has been shown to be safe and effective, there can be complications or side effects. Make sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Interested? Here’s what to do:
- Print the LASIK evaluation form.
- Make an appointment for a general eye exam with an eye doctor who is in the CountyCare network. Click here to Find a Provider.
- Be sure to fill out all of your information on the LASIK evaluation form and bring it with you to your appointment.
- If no issues come up on your first eye exam, you will be contacted to schedule a refractive eye exam. This is a pre-surgery exam to determine if LASIK is right for you.
- If you are determined to be eligible, your LASIK surgery will be scheduled within 30 days of your exam.
Call CountyCare Member Services at 312-864-8200 for details or if you have questions.
Free Diapers
CountyCare provides coupons for free diapers to children under two that are up-to-date on their shots.
What is the CountyCare Free Diaper Program?
CountyCare members with babies up to two years old are now eligible to receive a monthly coupon for a free Jumbo Pack of Jewel-Osco Baby Basics diapers when their child is up to date on shots.
How does the program work?
Every CountyCare family with a baby up to two years of age will be mailed a coupon for a free Jumbo Pack of Jewel-Osco Baby Basics diapers. The coupon can be used at any Jewel-Osco store in the Chicago-land area. As long as your baby is up to date on shots, you will continue to receive a coupon in the mail each month until your baby turns 2.
How will I know if my baby’s shots are up-to-date?
Your child’s doctor can tell you when your baby needs shots. To help you stay up to date, the coupon you receive in the mail each month will also include a schedule so you know which shots your child needs as they grow.
Do I need to sign up for the program?
You DO NOT need to sign up or register. All CountyCare families with a child under two will automatically be mailed a coupon for free diapers. We mail the coupon monthly when your baby’s shots are up to date. Coupons will be mailed starting in late September.
Can I use the coupon at any store? Can it be used for any brand?
The coupon can only be used at Jewel-Osco. The coupon is valid only for a Baby Basics Brand Jumbo Pack of diapers. They can be purchased at any Jewel Osco location in the Chicago-land area.
How do I use the coupon?
Choose the Baby Basics Jumbo Pack of diapers in the size you need and give the cashier the coupon at checkout at Jewel-Osco.
I have more than on child under two. Do I only get one coupon?
You will receive a coupon for each eligible child under two in the household. So if you have two children under two you will receive two coupons!
Do the coupons expire?
Yes, the coupons are only good for one month so make sure you get to the store to get them before it expires. The expiration date is printed at the top of the coupon so you will know when it can be used.
I have not received a diaper coupon. What should I do?
If you have moved and need to update your address, please call Member Services at 312-864-8200. If you think your child may not be up to date on shots, call your provider’s office to schedule a well-child visit.
Here’s how to get your FREE diapers:
- When your baby is on schedule for shots, CountyCare mails you a coupon for a Jewel-Osco Baby Basics Jumbo Pack of diapers each month.
- The coupon can be used at any Jewel-Osco location in the Chicagoland area. The cashier will verify your coupon when you check out.
- To help you stay up-to-date, the coupon will also include a schedule so you know which shots your children need as they grow.
- The best way to stay up-to-date on shots is to have regular well-child visits with your baby’s doctor.
All CountyCare families with a child under two will automatically receive a coupon for free diapers. You DO NOT need to register. We mail the coupon monthly when your baby’s shots are up-to-date.
To get your monthly diapers coupon, we must have your correct address. If you have recently moved, call Member Services at 312-864-8200 to confirm we have your updated information.
Free Car Seat
Pregnant women and children up to 8 years old enrolled with CountyCare are eligible for a free car seat. Call Member Services to request your car seat and we will ship it to your home. We suggest pregnant women call one month before their due date so they have the car seat when the baby is born.
Book Club for Kids
- Members age 3 through 16 can receive a new book in the mail every 3 months by signing up for our annual book club.
- Kids age 5 through 16 will receive a $10 Target gift card along with their book.
- Please call Member Services at 312-864-8200 to enroll.
Free Home Pregnancy Test
Female members of childbearing age can call Member Services at 312-864-8200 and request up to one pregnancy test a month. Money will be added to their OTC card so they can purchase a test, or it will be mailed to the address they provide.
Weight Watchers Vouchers
CountyCare members 13 and older get free vouchers to attend Weight Watchers meetings. Call Member Services at 312-864-8200 to request yours, and we will mail them to you.
Free Cell Phone
The program provides free minutes for calls to CountyCare Member Services.