HB 5227

Abstract

Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. In a provision requiring the Department of Human Services to establish eligibility standards for services provided under the Home Services Program, provides that the standards must provide that a person may not have more than $17,500 (rather than $10,000) in assets to be eligible for services. Provides that the Department may not decrease the asset level below $17,500 (rather than $10,000). Requires the Department to implement a pilot program of no less than 60 months in 3 geographically diverse locations wherein it shall exempt from consideration when determining eligibility for the Home Services Program retirement accounts that the person cannot access without penalty before the age of 59 1/2, and medical savings accounts. Provides that services provided to any individual determined eligible under the pilot program shall be funded solely by the State. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In a provision regarding the income eligibility standard under the medical assistance program for persons with disabilities who are employed and for persons with a medically improved disability who are employed, requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to set the income eligibility standard at not lower than 450% (rather than 350%) of the federal poverty level.