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It is not too late to Register for QMP Training on February 24!
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is implementing the Supportive Living Program (SLP) Quality Metrics Process (QMP). If you missed the first training held earlier this month, we encourage you to register for the 2nd training taking place on February 24 from 2-3pm. To register for the second session, please use this link.
Questions regarding this change should be directed to the Bureau of Long Term Care via email at HFS.LTC@illinois.gov or toll free at 844-528-8444.
To learn more, see the January Provider Notice.
FY26 Budget
Governor Pritzker's Feb 19 budget proposal will be his sixth one – and is expected to be his most challenging to date. Illinois is projected to have a $3.2 billion budget shortfall. Budget makers must navigate an array of challenges, including mandated increases in funding for schools and pensions, slowing revenue streams (including uncertainty with federal funding), previous tax disbursement errors, and healthcare funding complicated by rising medical costs. Lawmakers must address the transit fiscal cliff and the City of Chicago wants help addressing longstanding financial issues with the Chicago Public Schools system, which have been exacerbated by the depletion of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Public employee unions are also advocating for enhanced pension benefits for Tier 2 employees (state workers, teachers, and other employees hired since 2011).
Pritzker has pledged to present a "balanced budget" to keep Illinois on track for further credit upgrades, but questions remain about how he plans to fund next year’s spending plan. The Governor’s office is advising advocates and lawmakers against creating or expanding programs and is requesting state agencies to identify "efficiencies." Raising taxes should be a “last resort,” the Governor asserted this week. The final budget, including any potential revenue sources, will ultimately be negotiated with the Democratic supermajorities in the General Assembly. Read more about the upcoming budget here.
FY26 Proposed Budget Briefing/Q &A Session
On February 19 starting at 2pm, please join Deputy Governor Grace Hou, and leaders from the Departments of Human Services, Healthcare and Family Services, Public Health, Aging, Children and Family Services, and Veterans Affairs, as they provide a brief overview of the FY26 proposed budget, immediately followed by a Q&A session. Use the following link to submit questions in advance and join the virtual briefing. FY26 Health and Human Services Virtual Budget Briefing. To learn more, click here.
IDPH Issues Memo on Oversight of Contractors in LTC Settings
Key Points include:
• Contractor services provide necessary health care to residents of long-term care facilities.
• Long-term care facility infection preventionists should include contractors and contract services in their annual risk assessments.
• Contractor services staff should be included in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Committee and Infection Control Committee meetings.
To learn more, click here.
FDA Alert!
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has recently been informed of a February 5, 2025, alert from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding reports of missed alarms for patients with diabetes mellitus using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, or automated insulin delivery systems. Whether the alarm failed to sound or was not heard, this issue could result in harm due to severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Read the FDA Alert here. Read about The FDA’s safety communication recommendations here.
Senate Confirms Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Lead HHS
This week, The Senate in a 52-48 vote confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary overseeing key federal health agencies, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Read more about it here.
Federal Pause
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — which houses the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) — has halted most external communications currently. This includes the issuance of guidance and press releases, public speaking, and posting on social media.
Reminder!! Please Update HFS of Relevant Changes to Key Contacts!
Providers/management companies/administration/interested parties, etc. should email HFS.SLF@illinois.gov with any email address updates/additions/changes that you want to be included on communication from the Supportive Living Program. HFS sends a variety of messages including reminders, recalls, general information, rule updates/reminders. You do not want to miss any important information. Also, if you have any staffing changes (new admin, DON, etc.), you should also email those updates to HFS.SLF@illinois.gov. Include the new contact information (name, position, email address, etc.).
We really encourage everyone to let HFS know of these changes so HFS can update their contact information, and you stay current.
Provider Notice on Prevention of Spousal Impoverishment Standards for 2025
This notice informs long term care (LTC) providers that effective January 1, 2025, pursuant to Public Act 102-1037, the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) and the Community Spouse Maintenance Needs Allowance (CSMNA) will increase annually. To read more, click here.
Reminder! HFS Announced SLP Personal Needs Allowance and Room and Board Amounts for 2025
Pursuant to Public Act 103-593, beginning January 1, 2025, for a person who is a resident of a Supportive Living Program provider, the monthly PNA shall be $120 per month. To assist in offsetting the decrease in SLP Room and Board amounts, and also pursuant to Public Act 103-593 (305 ILCS 5/5-5.01a), beginning January 1, 2025, Medicaid rates for supportive living services must be at least 54.75% of the average total nursing services per diem rate for the geographic areas defined by the Department and shall include all add-ons for nursing facilities for the geographic area provided.
- The Room and Board amounts for a single occupancy apartment will decrease from $853.00 per resident per month to $847.00 per resident per month.
- The Room and Board amounts for a double occupancy apartment will decrease from $617.50 per resident per month to $605.00 per resident per month.
To learn more, click here.
Reminder! Cost Reports
Cost Reports are required to be filed with the Bureau of Health Finance within 90 days after the end of the facility's fiscal year. The filed cost reports are being made available through the Freedom of Information Act. To learn more, click here.
U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Issues Report on Overlapping Programs for Older Americans
In fiscal year 2024, OAA-funded services received about $2.4 billion in appropriations. These services exist alongside other federal programs that provide social services for older adults. GAO regularly reports on federal programs with potentially fragmented, overlapping, or duplicative efforts, with the goal of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government.
GAO was asked to review potential duplication between programs authorized under OAA and federal programs authorized under other laws. This report examines (1) the extent to which duplication, overlap, and fragmentation exist between OAA-funded services and other federal programs for older adults; and (2) the steps agencies have taken to manage any duplication, overlap, and fragmentation between OAA-funded services and non-OAA programs.
Click here to learn more.
SLP Rates
HFS last month announced that it will be paying with the rates from last quarter and will then process adjustments once the new rates are entered.
Legislation passed in early January 2025 impacts the calculation of the staffing incentive component for the nursing facility rates effective January 1, 2025. Due to the late passage of this legislation, the Supportive Living Program rates will not be provided to Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) until mid to late February. This will impact payment for January claims that are submitted by providers in early February. This could also affect the February claims depending on the length of time it takes for MCOs to update rates in the claims payment systems.
MCOs are being notified of this delay and should be providing information on how they are handling payments.
Any questions should be directed to the Bureau of Long Term Care via email at HFS.LTC@illinois.gov or toll free at 844-528-8444.
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