Illinois House Approves $173 Million for Community Senior Care Program

Medicaid, the health insurance program for very low-income seniors with few assets (may not have more than $2,000 in assets in the state of Illinois or $3,000 in assets if a married couple).  Medicaid will pay for an ongoing stay in a nursing home for a senior for as long as needed, with medical doctor approval.  Because of this, Medicaid's nursing home care service has been the insurance of last resort for those who may experience very expensive senior care costs.  For instance, seniors diagnosed wtih Alzheimer's disease may need around-the-clock senior care which can cost $80,000 a year. All seniors who do not qualify for the low-income Medicaid program, receive Medicare health insurance which does NOT pay for ongoing long-term care.

Medicaid is a program provided in each state, with the use of both federal and state tax dollars.  Because of this, each state has flexibility in the program offerings.  The Illinios House has just passed legislation which allows an additional $173 million dollars to go towards the Illinois Community Care program which does pay for senior caregiving services in the home for those on Medicaid (who qualify).  This means about 85,000 Illinois seniors will avoid moving into a nursing home.

Nursing home care costs the state of Illinois about $30,000 per resident.  The Community Care program averages about $8,000 per senior receiving care, much less than nursing home care.  Nursing home costs nationwide may be found in the Caregiverlist Nursing Home Directory and Medicaid finanical qualifications may be found in our Medicaid By-State directory.

Illinois seniors must be over the age of 60 and have no more than $17,500 in assets, not including their home, care or furnishings.  However, if the senior's income is above a specified level, they may qualify for a cost share program in order to participate.  The program was established in 1979 and allows senior citizens to remain in their home, instead of moving to a nursing home, by taking advantage of community program such as home-delivered meals and caregiving services.

Seniors must have pass a care needs assessment and scored 29 points or higher on the Illinois Department of Aging's "Determination of Need" form.

Illinois seniors may learn more about the Community Care Program by contacting the Senior Helpline, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

Illinois Senior HelpLine:  1-800-252-8966

Outside of Illinois:  217-524-6911

Email;  aging.ilsenior@illinois.gov