How to apply for Illinois Supportive Living Program — Medicaid-covered assisted living

Who it's for

Affordable assisted living for people who would otherwise need a nursing home. Illinois Medicaid pays a certified Supportive Living Program building for personal care, medication oversight, intermittent nursing, meals and snacks, housekeeping, laundry, social and health programs, and 24-hour staff. The resident lives in an apartment with a kitchenette and private bathroom and pays only room and board (a monthly charge based on the SSI rate; residents keep a $120 personal needs allowance). It is for Illinois residents age 65 and older, or ages 22 to 64 with a physical disability, who are screened as needing nursing-facility level of care. Find a certified building on the HFS provider list and call the Bureau of Long-Term Care at 217-782-0545 or toll-free 844-528-8444.

What you'll need

• Proof of Illinois Medicaid eligibility (or a Medicaid application)
• A nursing-facility level-of-care screening by HFS or its designated screening agency
• Income and resource information for the monthly room-and-board and cost-of-care calculation

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Illinois Supportive Living Program — Medicaid-covered assisted living. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of Illinois Medicaid eligibility (or a Medicaid application), a nursing-facility level-of-care screening by HFS or its designated screening agency, income and resource information for the monthly room-and-board and cost-of-care calculation — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm you meet the basic requirements: you must be an Illinois resident age 65 or older (or ages 22–64 with a physical disability), eligible for Illinois Medicaid, and screened as needing nursing-facility level of care. You must also have income at least equal to the SSI rate to cover the monthly room-and-board charge.
2. Find a certified Supportive Living Program building near you by checking the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) provider list. Contact the Bureau of Long-Term Care at 217-782-0545 or toll-free at 844-528-8444 for help locating a building.
3. Gather your required documents: proof of Illinois Medicaid eligibility (or a completed Medicaid application if you are not yet enrolled), and income and resource information used to calculate your monthly room-and-board and cost-of-care amounts.
4. Complete a nursing-facility level-of-care screening through HFS or its designated screening agency. This screening is required before you can be approved for the program.
5. Apply online or by phone at 1-844-528-8444. A representative can walk you through the application and answer questions about next steps.

What to expect: After you submit your application, HFS will review your Medicaid eligibility, your level-of-care screening results, and your income and resource information. Processing times vary, so ask the Bureau of Long-Term Care for an estimate when you apply. If approved, Illinois Medicaid pays the certified Supportive Living Program building directly for covered services — including personal care, medication oversight, meals, housekeeping, laundry, and 24-hour staffing. You will pay room and board each month from your income and keep a $120 personal needs allowance; income above the allowances goes toward the cost of care. To stay enrolled, you must complete an annual Medicaid redetermination and take part in periodic service-plan reassessments. Watch for renewal notices from HFS and respond promptly to avoid a gap in coverage.

Renewals

ongoing (annual Medicaid redetermination and periodic service-plan reassessment)