Older Illinoisans to testify regarding proposed cuts to state's community care program

July 8, 2015 5:00 PM

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Governor Rauner has proposed a massive eligibility change to the Illinois Community Care Program – a program that helps to keep older Illinoisans in their homes and out of costly institutions. Governor Rauner has proposed raising the minimum Determination of Need score for the program – a score which determines eligibility and service levels for the program. The Determination of Need (DON) is essentially a score that determines the extent of an applicant’s need for Community Care Program services. Historically, individuals with a DON score of 29 or above were eligible for the program. Governor Rauner has proposed changing that score from 29 to 37 which will eliminate Community Care Program services for over 24,000 individuals across the state. These individuals would be at significant risk of premature nursing placement – at three times the cost to Illinois taxpayers – if the DON score change takes effect.

On Thursday, July 9, at 10:00 a.m. Senior Services Plus will invite testimony from individuals and organizations who will be impacted by the proposed DON score change. All parties, including clients who will be impacted by the cuts, will be available for media comment following the committee meeting.