Illinois is one of five states and territories set to receive up to $5 million in federal funds to expand access to home and community-based services for seniors and those with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday.
The demonstration program, which currently runs in 36 states, provides Medicaid-eligible individuals additional options for transitions from institutional care to their homes and communities.
HHS said the funds will support states and territories in the early planning phase, helping them establish partnerships with community stakeholders, recruit providers, conduct system assessments and create community transition programs.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Healthcare and Family Services said they are waiting for the award letter.
“We will share additional information about the program, including its implementation timeline, once those details are established,” she said.
Over 107,000 people were transitioned to community living in states that ran the program from 2008 through 2020, according to an agency report.
“Today we are expanding access to home and community-based services so even more states and territories are equipped to best serve the millions of seniors and people with disabilities across the country,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
Other recipients announced Monday include Kansas, New Hampshire, American Samoa and Puerto Rico.