HB5688 Summary

• Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code Section 5-2 to make a technical correction by removing duplicate language ("the") in the section concerning classes of persons eligible for Medicaid.

• Maintains existing eligibility categories for medical assistance including recipients of basic maintenance grants, pregnant women, children, persons with disabilities, AIDS patients, and other vulnerable populations.

• Establishes income eligibility standards based on federal poverty levels, ranging from 70% to 185% depending on the specific eligibility category and fiscal year.

• Includes provisions for Family Care caretaker relatives at 185% of Federal Poverty Level through December 31, 2013, then reducing to 133% beginning January 1, 2014, with premium requirements for those between 150-185% of poverty level.

• Authorizes the Illinois Department to implement Medicaid rules and seek federal approval for coverage expansions while restricting eligibility expansion beyond statutory limits without express legislative authority.