IL- Spenddown stuck due to system error (iFast).

Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice from anyone who’s dealt with Illinois Medicaid internal processing delays, especially when a specialized back-end unit is involved.

I’m helping my dad with his Illinois Medicaid case (AABD spenddown, Medicare primary). DHS, HFS, and the Spend Down department have all confirmed that his case should be active, but there’s a known system error where the waiver isn’t being applied correctly. This requires correction by an internal DHS unit called IFAST (Functional Assistance and Support Team).

Important details: • State: Illinois • Program: AABD spenddown (Medicare primary, Medicaid secondary) • IFAST ticket was submitted on January 8 • Local DHS office says they’ve tried all available workarounds and are waiting on IFAST • DHS staff can’t provide a timeline and say IFAST response can take days… or much longer • Providers are denying care because eligibility still shows inactive • This is not a documentation or eligibility dispute. it’s an internal system correction

At this point the case is stuck because the internal team hasn’t completed the fix, and front-line staff say they can’t do anything until IFAST responds.

My questions: • Has anyone dealt with IFAST or similar internal Medicaid units in Illinois? • How long did it actually take for them to respond? • Did anything help get traction (office transfer, ombudsman, legal aid, legislative inquiry, etc.)?

I’m trying to figure out whether this is truly a waiting game or if there’s a realistic way to push an internal backlog issue forward.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share their experience.