HB4798 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB101 18910 KTG 68369 b

101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2019 and 2020
HB4798

Introduced 2/18/2020, by Rep. Maurice A. West, II

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 105/8.07a new

Amends the Illinois Act on Aging. Provides that subject to appropriations, any person who is not otherwise eligible for services provided under the Community Care Program may qualify for emergency home response services if the person: (1) is 80 years of age or older; (2) lives independently; (3) is a U.S. citizen or legal alien; (4) is a resident of this State; and (4) does not own interest in non-exempt assets having a combined value in excess of $17,500. Provides that a person's home, vehicle, and personal belongings shall not be considered when determining the amount of his or her assets. Provides that the Department on Aging, or an organization designated by the Department, shall make eligibility determinations. Provides that a determination of need assessment is required for any person who is otherwise eligible for emergency home response services through the Community Care Program. Provides that any person who qualifies for emergency home response services under the amendatory Act shall have an emergency home response system installed in his or her home at no cost. Defines, "emergency home response system" to mean a two-way voice communication system consisting of a base unit and an activation device worn by the older adult that will automatically link the older adult to a professionally staffed support center.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Act on the Aging is amended by adding Section 8.07a as follows:

(20 ILCS 105/8.07a new)

Sec. 8.07a. Emergency home response services; eligibility expansion.

(a) As used in this Section, "emergency home response system" means a two-way voice communication system consisting of a base unit and an activation device worn by the older adult that will automatically link the older adult to a professionally staffed support center.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act to the contrary, subject to appropriations, any person who is not otherwise eligible for services provided under the Community Care Program may qualify for emergency home response services if the person meets all of the following criteria:

(1) Is 80 years of age or older.

(2) Lives independently.

(3) Is a U.S. citizen or legal alien.

(4) Is a resident of this State.

(5) Does not own interest in non-exempt assets having a combined value in excess of $17,500. For the purpose of determining the amount of an individual's assets, the following assets shall be considered exempt and not counted:

(A) the person's primary residence, including its furnishings and contents and all contiguous property on which it is situated;

(B) vehicles, except those used primarily for recreation; and

(C) personal property.

(c) The Department, or an organization designated by the Department, shall determine the eligibility of persons applying for emergency home response services provided under this Section. A determination of need assessment shall be required for any person who is otherwise eligible for emergency home response services through the Community Care Program.

(d) Any person who qualifies for emergency home response services under this Section shall have an emergency home response system installed in his or her home at no cost.