AARP Illinois Urges Gov. Rauner To Sign Senior Care Protection Bill

Bill safeguards critical senior in-home and community care for over 80,000 Illinoisans

Statement by AARP Illinois Director of Advocacy Ryan Gruenenfelder

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Nov 21, 2017, 13:02 ET

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Nov. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "House Bill 1424, sponsored by State Representative Greg Harris and Senator Daniel Biss, is a compassionate, fiscally responsible measure that ensures the state's leading in-home senior care program, the Community Care Program (CCP), remains intact along with current eligibility standards. CCP provides essential services to older adults and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to stay in the settings of their own choice and avoid premature and costly nursing home care.

CCP has been lauded by seniors, family caregivers, and their loved ones for its quality of care, diversified services, and support as they strive to maintain independence at home, while at the same time, taxpayers recognized the fiscally conservative program saves the state millions of dollars compared to Medicaid nursing home placement.

The legislation passed the General Assembly with bi-partisan support. AARP Illinois, older adults, family caregivers and aging advocates are calling upon Governor Rauner to sign the bill into law immediately.

Maintaining the Community Care Program and the services it offers for seniors to live in their homes and community is a compassionate and fiscally responsible approach to address long-term care for our state's growing senior population."

SOURCE AARP Illinois