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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, Home Care is a cost effective alternative in the
3 continuum of care for thousands of Illinois citizens with
4 chronic illnesses or injuries or those recovering from surgery;
5 and
 
6     WHEREAS, Advances in medical technology allow health
7 professionals to provide the highest level of care in a
8 nurturing home environment; and
 
9     WHEREAS, Home Care keeps families together; and
 
10     WHEREAS, Home Care allows older citizens to remain
11 independent and postpones or eliminates the need for
12 institutionalization; and
 
13     WHEREAS, Home Care allows children with chronic illness
14 remain in their homes and live lives that are not defined by
15 their illness; and
 
16     WHEREAS, Home Care promotes healing and prevents
17 infection; and
 
18     WHEREAS, Home Care provides a positive environment for
19 individuals improving their quality of life and, in many cases,

 

 

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1 extending life; and
 
2     WHEREAS, Home Care is a cost-effective health care
3 solution, with per-capita expenditures that are 75-95% percent
4 lower than other care alternatives; and
 
5     WHEREAS, There are more than 750 licensed home health
6 providers in Illinois; and
 
7     WHEREAS, Home health is among the fastest growing
8 professions in the country; and
 
9     WHEREAS, The current Illinois Medicaid reimbursement rate
10 is threatening the availability of home health care; and
 
11     WHEREAS, Illinois' Medicaid reimbursement rate is the
12 lowest of all Midwestern states and one of the lowest in the
13 nation; and
 
14     WHEREAS, Home Care providers are currently reimbursed for
15 less than half of their actual operating expenses; therefore,
16 be it
 
17     RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL
18 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the Department of
19 Healthcare and Family Services shall identify and target

 

 

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1 resources to increase the capacity to meet needs and desires of
2 the population who could benefit from home health care and to
3 prepare for future demands to build the capacity in the system
4 now and into the future; and be it further
 
5     RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be delivered to
6 the Director of Healthcare and Family Services.