1.Program Definition and Services
Homemaker Services in Illinois provide assistance to older adults and individuals with disabilities to help them remain independent in their homes. Services include:
- Shopping and essential errands
- Meal preparation
- Personal care assistance (grooming, bathing, dressing)
- Assistance with self-administered medication
- Routine housekeeping tasks (vacuuming, washing dishes, cleaning floors, laundry, changing bed linens)
2. Regulations
The program is governed by:
- Illinois Administrative Code Title 89, Chapter I, Subchapter d (Medical Payment)
- Illinois Public Aid Code (305 ILCS 5/5 et seq.)
- Health Care Worker Background Check Act [225 ILCS 46
3. Licensing or Certification
Providers must be licensed as Home Services Agencies by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
4. Responsible State Agency
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Department of Human Services (IDHS) oversee Homemaker Services programs
5. Application Process
Providers must:
- Obtain a license from IDPH as a Home Services Agency
- Enter into a Homemaker Agreement with the Home Services Program (HSP)
- Enroll as a Medicaid provider with HFS
6. Required Documentation
Providers must submit:
- Proof of compliance with Medicaid provider requirements
- Comprehensive written job descriptions for key positions
- Written billing procedures
- Procedures for responding to customer complaints
- Affirmative Action Plan approved by the governing body
7. Timeline for Approval
The exact timeline for approval is not specified. Providers should contact IDPH and IDHS for more detailed information on the approval process and expected timeframes.
8. Pre-Application Process
There is no specific pre-application process mentioned. However, potential providers should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
9. Pre-Application Training
No specific pre-application training is mentioned. However, providers must ensure that their staff meets the required qualifications and training standards set by state regulations.
10. Additional Notes
- As of January 1, 2025, rates for homemaker services are expected to increase to $32.75 per hour to sustain a minimum wage of $15.00 for homecare workers
- Providers must conduct mandatory background checks on all employees
- Homemaker Service Providers must respond to all referrals within 48 hours after receipt from HSP
- Providers must maintain comprehensive records for planning, budgeting, administration, and program evaluation for at least 5 years
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