This month marks two years since the nationwide launch of 988. This three-digit number quickly connects callers to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, ensuring that people experiencing a mental health emergency have someone to talk to, someone to respond, and a safe place for help. In the first year alone, more than 5 million calls, texts, and chats were answered. Learn more about the lifeline here.

About the CityKey

The Chicago CityKey is an optional, valid, government-issued ID card offered to all Chicago residents that will unlock many of the great things our City has to offer. For more detailed information, view the City of Chicago ID Administrative Rules. 

In 2015, a task force was launched to bring together City officials and community groups to develop a program that looked at the barriers that many Chicagoans faced when trying to obtain government-issued ID. In October 2016, the Chicago City Council allocated $1 million to create a Chicago Municipal ID, a government-issued ID for City residents, and in April 2017, the City Council overwhelmingly passed an ordinance (O2017-1950) to give authority to the Office of the City Clerk to administer and implement the program, now known as the Chicago CityKey Program.  

While originally created to reduce barriers to those who have difficulty accessing government-issued identification, the Program’s goals have since grown to include discounts and other benefits for all of Chicago’s 2.7 million residents. This means that not only will the Chicago CityKey give Chicagoans the dignity and peace of mind that comes along with having a government-issued ID but it will also have the ability to serve as your key to Chicago: serving as your library card, transit card and benefits card for cultural institutions, sports teams and local businesses. 

The Chicago RX Card is now available as a part of the program. The Chicago Rx Card will provide discounts on generic and name brand medications, as well as medical equipment and veterinary prescriptions and will be accepted at all major chain pharmacies in addition to many independent pharmacies. Over 60,000 drugs are included as part of the program with savings of up to 80% on both name brand and generic prescriptions.

No registration or pre-qualification is needed, and every Chicagoan is eligible regardless of age, insurance, income, health, or immigration status.

Every Chicagoan wants to unlock the potential of themselves and their City. The Chicago CityKey is about connecting all Chicagoans physically and figuratively to our City and each other, whether it’s unlocking new cultural opportunities or the key to getting a job. It is the key, the connection and the catalyst that unlocks the potential of our great City and all those that call it home.

CityKey Guide

Learn all about your CityKey ID by downloading the bilingual CityKey Guide (English and Spanish).

Questions:

If you have any questions, please send your name, email address and message to citykey@cityofchicago.org

What to Expect During a Medicaid Redetermination

Receive a renewal form: 

You will receive a Medicaid Benefits Renewal Form in the mail from the State of Illinois. 

Check your address: 

Make sure the State has your correct mailing address to ensure you receive your form. 

Complete the form: 

This form will be pre-filled with the information the state already has on file. You must correct any wrong information and submit it by your redetermination date. 

Submit the form: 

You can complete and submit the form online at ABE.Illinois.gov or by other means. 

Why Redetermination is Important

• To maintain coverage: 

Redetermination is the annual process that confirms your eligibility to receive Medicaid services and prevents loss of coverage. 

• To update information: 

It ensures the state has your current information, such as income, household size, and address. 

How to Stay Prepared 

• Create an online account: 

Go to ABE.Illinois.gov to create an account or log in to your existing account.

• Update contact information: 

Ensure your mailing address, phone number, and other contact details are current on your online account.

• Know your redetermination date: 

You can find your specific redetermination date on the ABE Illinois website.

• Seek help if needed: 

Certified Application Assistants are available for free help with completing and submitting your redetermination form.

What to Do If You No Longer Qualify

• Explore other options: 

If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you may be eligible for other affordable coverage options. 

• Reapply any time: 

There's no limit to how many times you can reapply for Medicaid or CHIP if your circumstances change. 

This program series will include tours of the Fermilab campus, the Superconducting Quantum Materials & Systems (SQMS) Center, and the Lederman Science Center. These tours give students the chance to get hands on with quantum exhibits, see the authentic research labs, and explore the Fermilab campus.

For in-person benefit assessments or to speak with support staff for additional guidance, visit one of the six DFSS Community Service Centers anytime Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Community Service Centers help residents to access a wide range of resources from shelter, food and clothing to domestic violence assistance to job training for the formerly incarcerated. The centers also serve as warming and cooling centers during periods of extreme weather.  

If there is a medical emergency or someone is in danger, please call 9-1-1. 

The below hotlines are confidential and available to all Chicagoans. Call if you or someone you know needs help: 

• Eviction legal assistance from Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt:  855.956.5763 

• Homelessness Prevention Call Center: 312.744.5000 

• Chicago Senior Services Hotline: 312.744.4016 (Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm) 

• Illinois Domestic Violence Helpline: 1.877.863.6338 

• National Alliance for Mental Illness Helpline: 1-800.950.NAMI (Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm) 

• Illinois Opioids and Other Substances: 1.833.2FINDHELP 

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org 

August 4 – Chicago Police Department 25th District National Night Out - Hanson Park, intersection of Grand Avenue and Central Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639.

August 4 – Justice Advisory Council's Community Engagement Collaborative In Person Meeting - Aspire Center, 5500 W. Madison, Chicago, IL 60644.

August 8 – Beacon Hill's 16th Annual Back-to-School Festival – Sesto Park, 1899 Western Avenue, Chicago Heights, IL 60411.

August 8 – Esbee Foundation Resource Fair – Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive, Chicago, IL 60623.

August 8 – Mission of Our Lady of the Angels Back to School event – Mission of Our Lady of the Angels, 3814 W. Iowa Street, Chicago, IL 60651.

August 12 – Pathway to Cook County Government – UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60607.

August 13 – Alderwoman Monique L. Scott's End of the Year Celebration – Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive, Chicago, IL 60623.

August 15 – First Missionary Hispanic Church of Chicago Back to School Health and Resource Fair - First Missionary Hispanic Church of Chicago, 1515 N. Homan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60651.

August 15 – Hope Excel Reaching the World Academy's 15th Annual Summer Festival - Hope Excel, 4822 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60651.

August 15 – State Rep. Will Guzzardi and State Sen. Graciela Guzmán Back to School Fair - Kelvyn Park, 4438 W. Wrightwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639.

August 20 – Commissioner Jessica Vásquez’s 8th District of Cook County Back to School Bash – Nixon Elementary, 2121 N. Keeler Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639.