MEDICAID-SPOUSE AS CAREGIVER

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that if a recipient of medical assistance qualifies for in-home personal care services, and if the recipient's spouse provides those services, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall pay the spouse for providing those services to the recipient at the same rate at which the Department pays other providers for providing those services to a recipient. Provides that the spouse must be capable of meeting the recipient's service needs and must provide services that exceed what would usually be expected of a husband or wife. Requires the Department to apply for waivers of federal law and regulations. Provides that the spousal payment provisions apply on and after July 1, 2009 or after the Department is granted the necessary waivers, whichever is later.