AARP Applauds Unanimous Senate Passage Of Supplemental Budget Bill

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Apr 25, 2013, 05:40 ET

Legislation Crucial to Allow Older Illinoisans to Receive Critical Services in their Own Homes and Communities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP commends the Illinois Senate for today's unanimous vote (54-0) on House Bill 207, that will provide $173 million to cover back payments to home care providers and allow older Illinoisans to continue to receive critically needed health and long-term care services in their homes and communities, rather than being forced into more costly care settings.

"We are pleased that the entire Illinois Senate recognized the urgency of this situation and passed this legislation ensuring that care for our most vulnerable citizens will not be interrupted, and that older Illinoisans can continue to receive services where they want to be - in their homes and communities," said AARP Associate State Director David Vinkler.

AARP thanks Senator Heather Steans (D-7) and Senator Chapin Rose (R-51) for their leadership and all Senate Republicans and Democrats for their bipartisan support of this measure that will pay for the services and caregiving supports Community Care Program providers are responsible for delivering to older Illinoisans who rely on services for their independence.

AARP and advocates have urged lawmakers to focus attention on the critical need for funding these programs and services that enable hundreds of thousands of older Illinoisans to receive home and community based services that help avoid costly institutional care, ensuring that Illinois continues to uphold its strong tradition of providing critical services to the most vulnerable populations.

SOURCE AARP Illinois