IL SB3490

Department of Human Services shall develop and implement a Caregiver Repayment Program by January 1, 2025, to provide payments to caregivers of children with severe medical needs who are ineligible for Medical Assistance Program benefits.

"Children with severe medical needs" are defined as those requiring institutionalization in acute care hospitals, nursing facilities, or intermediate care facilities, with conditions likely to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Payments under the program may not exceed $10,000 per family per year, with eligibility determined solely based on medical necessity and distributed in the most cost-effective manner possible.

Department of Human Services must submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly beginning January 1, 2026, including total funding spent, number of children served, types of services required, and income ranges of caregivers receiving payments.

Department may adopt any rules necessary to implement and administer the program, which becomes effective immediately.