<prompt> Human: Hi all, if there is a better sub, please direct me. I am 19 and I just in August moved out of my parents home to an apartment closer to my college. When I lived at home, we were on Illinois Medicaid I doubt its unfamiliar, its state funded health insurance. Im not exactly sure what happened, but our benefits were not renewed renewal is July every year this year, so we had to re-apply for it. Since I dont live with my parents anymore, I had to apply separately. I think I am on track to receive that within 45 days if all goes well. So now, I need to see a doctor. I have not been to a doctor since was 17 because my pediatrician did not serve 1 year olds and I moved away to college dormed a few weeks after turning 18. I did not need to see a doctor during that year, plus I was intimidated by being able to make my decisions, so I never found a PCP near me at school. I have some health concerns now, but I dont know the first step to getting to a doctor. If I were still covered, I would be able to call a number and have them assign me a doctor. But I am not, so I dont even know if I can do that. I figure I can find a doctor easily enough, but I am not currently covered, so I do not know how payment will work. I have enough in savings school loan money to pay for a visit, but not to regularly pay without insurance. I would also like to visit someone that I can establish as my PCP, so they have to be covered under Medicaid. Medicaid will supposedly cover expenses incurred up to three months prior to the day you receive benefits, but I dont want to mess something up to find out that they wont cover it or it has to be with their appointed doctor. My questions: 1. Is it okay to ask PCPs, before going in, if they take Medicaid, or is there a simpler way, being uninsured, to find these doctors? 2. Should I visit the doc once now, and then again once benefits come in OR just wait until Im sure I have them? 3. Any other suggestions for my situation?  <response>: Call Medicaid directly to speak with an agent, they should be able to confirm if you would be covered within the timeframe you noted or if you arent. If you are they should be able to assist you with finding a doctor within their network or point you to a resource.From the Illinois Medicaid website:If you need health care right away call the 1-800-843-6154 TTY: 1-800-447-6404 and apply over the phone. For most people who qualify, coverage is backdated so it starts on the first day of the month you apply. In some instances, you may be able to get coverage up to 3 months prior to the date of your application. If you are eligible for health care coverage, medical providers can send unpaid bills to Medicaid to be paid as long as you got the service after your benefits started. 