Also known as the Medical Assistance Program, Illinois Medicaid offers comprehensive health benefits for low-income state seniors, including long-term care services such as assisted living. While Illinois provides multiple pathways to Medicaid eligibility, basic income guidelines limit a single applicant’s monthly income to $1,041 and couples with both spouses applying to $1,409. Although singles may have no more than $2,000 in assets, there is no specified asset limit for married couples with both spouses applying. General Medicaid for the aged, blind or disabled does not include a level-of-care requirement.
For individuals incurring high medical bills who don’t meet income guidelines, the state’s Medically Needy Pathway allows seniors to spend down excess income on medical bills until they fall within Medicaid guidelines. The individual may then qualify for Medicaid for the duration of the month. Medicaid planning is also available within the state.
Seniors seeking additional information on Medicaid benefits should contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Eligible individuals may complete an online application at ABE.
Illinois also offers several Medicaid-related waivers for seniors in need of long-term care.
Illinois Supportive Living Program
Providing low-income seniors with an alternative to nursing home care, the Illinois SLP funds services such as personal care, skilled nursing and medication assistance, which can be delivered at home or in an assisted living program. The waiver requires individuals to demonstrate the need for a nursing home level of care, and potential applicants must undergo a preadmission screening to assess needs. To qualify, an applicant’s functional requirements must be satisfied by receiving SLP services at home or in a community program. Assisted living residents must be Medicaid-eligible with an income at or greater than the current SSI guidelines of $771 for a single applicant or $1,157 for a married couple and must use that income to pay the provider each month, except for a $90 personal allowance.
Seniors who have questions about the program or want additional information on applying should contact the Bureau of Long-Term Care at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services by phoning (217) 782-0545.
Illinois Community Care Program
The state’s Community Care program funds in-home or community-based care designed to assist seniors who require a nursing home level of care but wish to remain independent. Benefits include a medication dispenser service, emergency response systems and personal assistance with activities of daily living.
Applicants must be legal state residents aged 60 or older and demonstrate a need for long-term care. To qualify, individuals must have assets of no more than $17,500. An individual’s home, car and furnishings are exempt from this total.
Additional information about the application process is available through the state’s Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966.