By December 31, 1994, the Illinois Department may develop and implement by rule an electronic health information system to process claims electronically and to electronically store Medicare and Medicaid patient records, medical histories, and billing information. The Illinois Department may issue each Medicare and Medicaid recipient a health card containing electronically coded information that will access the system, verify their Medicare or Medicaid status, and display how much the patient must pay in deductibles or copayments for a medical procedure. The Illinois Department may also develop safeguards to protect recipients’ health information from misuse or unauthorized disclosure.
     On or before July 1, 2011, the Department shall cease issuing monthly MediPlan cards and shall instead issue permanent or semi-permanent member cards to individuals enrolled for medical assistance. Furthermore, the Department may employ any reasonable means by which providers may verify an individual‘s eligibility for medical assistance in place of MediPlan cards.