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Does Illinois Pay For In-Home Care?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Illinois does pay for in-home care in some cases. The Illinois Medicaid system and its waiver programs may pay for certain home care services for older adults and people with disabilities. Supplementary programs fund services such as nursing care, personal care assistance and help with activities of daily living.
In-Home Care Programs in Illinois
Illinois offers the following in-home care programs:
- Supportive Living Program (SLP)
- Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD) Cash Program
- Pathways to Community Living Program
- Managed Long-Term Services and Support Program
- Community Care Program (CCP)
Generally, seniors need to qualify for Medicaid and have non-exempt assets below a specific value to enroll in these programs and waivers. For example, the Illinois Community Care Program only accepts applicants with non-exempt assets worth up to $17,500. Other eligibility criteria vary between programs; qualification depends on age, care needs and monthly income.
Covered Benefits
Illinois’ in-home care programs provide benefits designed to best support the people they serve and help them live at home instead of entering a residential care setting. Depending on the program, seniors may receive funding for services received in their own home or in an assisted living community. Some programs, such as the Managed Long-Term Services and Support Program, help enrollees manage their health and support services more effectively via a care coordinator.
Many programs and waivers cover adult daycare services and respite care, allowing caregivers to enjoy respite. Other benefits may include the following:
- Intermittent social care
- Social and leisure activities
- Home cleaning and maintenance
- Meals
- Healthy living support, such as exercise sessions
- Medication support
- Personal care
- Laundry services
- Medical alarm systems
- Nursing care
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Personal assistant services, such as running errands or doing shopping