IL SB1628

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging to expand and reform the Community Care Program, which provides in-home and community-based services to prevent unnecessary institutionalization of persons age 60 and older.

Establishes a Community Care Program Medicaid Initiative with an oversight subcommittee to maximize federal Medicaid funding through aggressive enrollment of eligible seniors, with care coordination units receiving at least $240 per completed application.

Increases homemaker service rates to $18.29 per hour (minimum $.72 increase per hour) and establishes enhanced rates for providers offering health insurance benefits to direct service workers, with rates adjusted by actuarial analysis but not below $1.77 per hour.

Requires implementation of 13 specific program reforms including evening/weekend service availability, participant choice in services, electronic service verification by January 1, 2014, and standardized service authorization policies by May 1, 2013.

Creates the Community Care Program Advisory Committee to advise on program issues and identify solutions, with representation from providers, advocacy groups, seniors, unions, and other stakeholders meeting bi-monthly.