Illinois offers a variety of medicaid waiver programs to support individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or those needing long-term care. This can be overwhelming, so this blog post will break down Illinois' Medicaid waiver programs to help you determine which might be the best fit for you or your loved one. We'll also explore an additional option for families seeking support with caregiving costs.

What are Medicaid Waiver Programs?

Medicaid waiver programs allow states to offer additional services and support beyond those typically covered by Medicaid. These programs aim to provide care in the comfort of home or a community setting, rather than a nursing facility.

Illinois Medicaid Waiver Programs

Here's an overview of some of the main medicaid waiver programs offered in Illinois:

IL Persons with Disabilities Waiver (0142.R07.00): This program caters to individuals with physical disabilities aged 0-59 who require nursing facility level care. Covered services include adult day care, homemaker services, individual support providers, respite care, and various therapies.
IL Adults with Developmental Disabilities Waiver (0350.R05.00): This waiver focuses on adults aged 18+ with autism, developmental disabilities, or intellectual disabilities who meet the level of care required for an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). The program offers a wide range of services, including adult day services, residential habilitation, various therapies, self-direction assistance, supported employment options, and home accessibility modifications.
IL HCBS Waiver for Persons Who are Elderly (0143.R07.00): This program is designed for seniors 65+ and individuals with physical disabilities aged 60-64 who require nursing facility level care. Covered services include adult day care, homemaker services, medication dispensing assistance, and emergency home response systems.
Other Programs: Illinois offers additional medicaid waiver programs that target specific needs, including those who are medically fragile, technology dependent, have brain injuries, or are living with HIV/AIDS. There are also waivers specifically for children and young adults with developmental disabilities.

Important to Consider

Eligibility: Each program has its own eligibility requirements, including age, disability, and level of care needed. Financial requirements can also vary.
Services Offered: The specific services provided by each waiver program differ. Be sure to review the details of each program to see which best aligns with your needs.
Finding Out More: To learn more about specific medicaid waiver programs in Illinois, visit the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) website: https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/hcbs.html. You can also contact your local County Care Coordination Unit (CCU) for personalized guidance.

Family Caregiver Support Options

While some medicaid waiver programs allow family members to be paid for providing care, there's another program to consider: the Illinois Community Care Program.

The Illinois Community Care Program

The Community Care Program is a Medicaid-funded program that aims to assist older adults in maintaining their independence and providing cost-effective alternatives to nursing home placement. This program is not technically a waiver, but it offers financial support for families caring for loved ones at home.

Services provided by the Community Care Program include:

Comprehensive care coordination
Adult day services
In-home services
Emergency home response services
Automated medication dispenser service

Eligibility for the Illinois Community Care Program

The Community Care Program is available to any person who meets all current eligibility requirements, including:

60 years old or older
U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen within specific categories
Resident of Illinois
Non-exempt assets of $17,500 or less (excluding your home, car, and personal furnishings)
An assessed need for long-term care (determined by a professional assessment)
Enrolled in Medicaid

Want to Learn More?

To learn more about the Community Care Program in Illinois and check your eligibility, visit www.communitycareprogram.com.

Remember, you're not alone! There are resources available to help you navigate Illinois' medicaid waiver programs and family caregiver support options. Reach out for assistance to find the program that best supports you or your loved one.