HOME CARE - HEALTH BENEFITS

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging and the Disabled Persons Rehabilitation Act. Provides that subject to an increase in the rates paid to chore/housekeeping and homemaker service vendors contracting with the Department on Aging, these service vendors must pay a minimum amount into a fund providing certain health care benefits. Provides that for 2006, minimum funding must equal $1.40 for each hour of chore/housekeeping and homemaker services performed pursuant to a vendor's contract with the Department. Allows for proportionate increases in subsequent years to reflect changes in the cost of medical services. Requires that the health care fund provide coverage to employees, certain persons under contract with the vendor and providing more than 80 hours of chore/housekeeping or homemaker service per month, and the dependents of these individuals. Provides that if a vendor fails to pay a required amount into the fund, the vendor must pay that amount to the Department. Allows the Department's annual audit to assure that audited vendors are complying with these health care benefit funding provisions. Requires the Department of Human Services under the Disabled Persons Rehabilitation Act to pay an amount into a fund to provide health care coverage for individuals who perform more than 80 hours of preventive services per month. Provides that the amount must equal $1.40 for each hour of preventive services provided under the program. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.