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.[1]
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.