IL HB5641

Department must establish uniform procedures within 6 months to identify, investigate, and resolve fraud, misrepresentation, or inadequate documentation before determining applicant eligibility for public aid assistance.

Department shall create a computerized income and identity verification system to verify eligibility, eliminate duplication of assistance, and deter fraud by matching applicant/recipient name, date of birth, and social security number against federal and state databases including IRS records, employment data, Social Security Administration records, immigration status, and housing information.

Applicant/recipient information must also be matched against public records databases for physical asset ownership, incarcerated individuals, driver's licenses, and identity fraud indicators.

If a discrepancy is found, the Department must provide written notice and allow 10 business days for the applicant/recipient to respond; failure to respond results in denial for non-cooperation, while medical assistance cannot be terminated until the person receives notice and opportunity to explain.

Applicants/recipients who disagree with findings have the right to a fair hearing and can request Department reinvestigation; Department may contract with third-party entities to perform reviews.