In addition to services provided in nursing facilities, Illinois Medicaid offers 9 Medicaid waiver programs for home and community based services (HCBS). The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) oversees these HCBS waiver programs. Each program has its own eligibility requirements, but all programs require that the individual is a U.S. citizen or legal alien residing in the state of Illinois.
The Persons who are Elderly waiver provides in-home caregiving services for persons 65+ and physically disabled people between 60-64 who would otherwise require a nursing home level of care. Individuals wishing to utilize these waiver services must show Illinois Medicaid eligibility, including being under the asset limit. Another factor is that the estimated cost of care in the community setting must not exceed the estimated cost of care in a nursing facility. Examples of services administered under the Elderly waiver are in-home service (homemaker), adult day service, emergency home response service, and automated medication dispenser service.
The Persons with Disabilities waiver has similar eligibility criteria and provides similar in-home services for persons under the age of 60 with a severe developmental disability and/or physical disability that is projected to last at least 12 months or for the duration of life. Examples of services provided under the Disability waiver are personal care, assistance with activities of daily living, and environmental accessibility adaptations, and medical equipment.
Other Illinois Medicaid Waiver programs provide specific care for children, for people living with HIV/AIDS, and people with brain injuries. Some of these programs provide care in a care facility such as adult day care, but most are focused on in-home care. Other state plans provide support such as supported employment and supportive living programs. For more comprehensive descriptions of the Illinois Medicaid HCBS programs, please visit https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/hcbs.html.