Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services


The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, formerly the Department of Public Aid, is the code department of the Illinois state government that is responsible for providing healthcare coverage for adults and children who qualify for Medicaid, and for providing child support services to help ensure that Illinois children receive financial support from both parents.
The department is organized into two major divisions, Medical Programs and Child Support Services. The Office of Inspector General is maintained within the agency, but functions as a separate, independent entity reporting directly to the governor's office. Its current director is Felicia Norwood.
The current HFS Inspector General is Brad Hart promoted who has come under criticism for the hiring and promotion of Stephen Hilgers a Chief Investigator who falsified applications initially to get hired and then was later promoted after lying regarding his criminal record that included arrests for Battery and a guilty plea for Driving Under the Influence. Brad Hart's office has also come under criticism from Illinois State Representative Dwight Kay's office regarding allegations that fraud cases are rarely referred to the Illinois State Police only after being screened against political donor lists.