HB 4346

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. In provisions concerning the Community Care Program (program), removes from the list of program services clearinghouse information provided by senior citizen home owners who want to rent rooms to or share living space with other senior citizens. In a provision requiring the Department on Aging to perform certain actions to increase the effectiveness of the program, removes a requirement that the Department ensure the determination of need tool is accurate in determining program participants' level of need. In a provision concerning pre-service certification for in-home workers who provide housekeeping or home aide services, requires employing agencies to pay wages to in-home workers for pre-service and in-service training. Provides that the Department may authorize (rather than shall delay) program services until an applicant is determined eligible for medical assistance under the Illinois Public Aid Code. Removes a provision requiring the Department to implement co-payments under the program. Requires the Department to make annual (rather than quarterly) reports on care coordination unit performance and adherence to service guidelines. Removes expired rate levels. Requires the Department to pay an enhanced rate under the Community Care Program to those in-home service provider agencies that offer health insurance coverage as a benefit to their direct service worker employees. Provides that all final administrative decisions of the Department are subject to judicial review. Makes other changes. House Floor Amendment No. 2 In a provision concerning pre-service certification for in-home workers who provide housekeeping or home aide services under the Community Care Program, removes a provision requiring employing agencies to pay wages to their in-home workers for pre-service and in-service training. In a provision requiring the Department on Aging to pay an enhanced rate to in-home service provider agencies that offer health insurance coverage to their direct service worker employees, provides that the enhanced rate shall be at least $1.77 per unit. Requires the Department to review the enhanced rate as part of its process to rebase in-home service provider reimbursement rates pursuant to federal waiver requirements. House Floor Amendment No. 3 In a provision requiring the Department on Aging to provide Community Care Program reports that include an annual report on Care Coordination unit performance and adherence to service guidelines, requires such Community Care Program reports to also include a 6-month supplemental report.