July 17, 2024

Avisery Alert:

Multifactor Authentication is Coming to ABE


The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) recently announced that they will be adding multi-factor authentication and log in changes to the ABE portals for customers and providers. This change is tentatively scheduled to take place on July 26, 2024. Applicants will need to create an I-Login account to utilize the ABE system. Emails are required for I-Login account creation. 


Background:

HFS is mandated to make this change to comply with updated federal requirements in response to fraud and cybersecurity concerns that became apparent during the COVID-19 emergency. Similar multifactor authentication systems are already in use by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), and are common in other online transactions.


Creating an I-Login Account:

Once these changes are implemented, ABE users will be asked to create an I-Login account when they access the ABE website. The I-Login system requires an email as the User ID instead of a self-chosen User ID. Once the I-Login account is created, applicants will be asked to select a security method they will use to verify their identity every time they log in to ABE. They can opt to receive a code sent via Google Authenticator, Okta Verify, phone, or email. ABE users will then connect the I-Login to their ABE profile. Applicants must verify their identity using their selected security method every time they log into ABE. Approved representatives can use their own emails as the applicant’s I-Login User ID, although it is important to note that one email cannot be used to make multiple I-Login accounts.


IDHS offers additional guidance though this step by step walk through and these  Frequently Asked Questions.


The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is offering a training to review the new multi factor authentication system on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM CST. Interested parties can register here. The training will be recorded and made available through the HFS Application Agent webpage.


Creating Emails for Clients:

Avisery currently encourages benefit counselors to help create emails for clients who do not already have one. Please note that most email servers, including Yahoo, Gmail, and AOL, also have two factor authentication features in place, requiring individuals to type in a code received via text message to create the new email address. Avisery recognizes this poses challenges for applicants who do not have cell phones.


Our research indicates there are some free email servers that will allow counselors to create an email without providing a cell phone number, such as Proton mail and Mailfence. Although Avisery cannot recommend a particular platform, this information may be useful to counselors seeking to assist an applicant without a cell phone.


As always, feel free to reach out to Avisery with any questions at avisery@ageoptions.org.


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