MEDICAID-PAID CAREGIVER PGRAM

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, to develop a caregiver program to provide direct payments to caregivers of individuals enrolled in the medical assistance program who are disabled for less than 12 months as a result of a diagnosed illness or related treatment. Sets forth the components of the caregiver program, including, but not limited to: (i) criteria applicable to a caregiver, which shall include, but not be limited to, a limitation on the total hours of a caregiver's outside employment plus hours of providing care to the enrollee to ensure that the complete plan of care is delivered; (ii) payment of caregiver services at the personal assistant level of care and pay rate; (iii) limitations on the number of reimbursable hours of personal services; and (iv) utilization of the determination of need evaluation and other comprehensive assessment tools as criteria for determining eligibility and developing service plans under the caregiver program. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply, by January 1, 2025, for any waivers or State Plan amendments necessary for implementation of the caregiver program. Permits the Department of Human services to adopt any rules necessary to implement and administer the caregiver program. Effective immediately.