Mulligan Calls for Review of Assisted-Living Reimbursements

May 10, 2002

Des Plaines – A policy change in the Department of Human Services (DHS) prompted legislators to draft a resolution calling for a review of the current rate model and payment methodology used to reimburse Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA). State Representative Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des Plaines), Spokesperson for the Human Services – Appropriations Committee and sponsor of this legislation, said the resolution was created out of concern for the financial well being of CILA’S.

“The DHS instituted a change in policy that has the potential to inflict serious financial problems for CILA’S,” Mulligan said. “Agencies have already been experiencing financial stress from rising operational costs, and parties claim it is caused by the current reimbursement system in affect. We need to seriously take a closer look at the system in place and ensure that CILA’S are being adequately reimbursed.”

House Resolution 852 requires the secretary of human services to work with agencies providing CILAs to review the current CILA rate model and payment methodology.

Under House Resolution 852, the secretary of human services is directed to:
• Meet with agencies providing CILA services in Illinois and determine whether the state is providing full reimbursements for their services.
• Determine the impact of the current CILA rate model and payment methodology on the state’s ability to implement the “most integrated setting requirements” of the ADA and the holding in Olmstead.
• File a written report with the Illinois General Assembly on or before December 1, 2002 containing information regarding specific recommendations as to whether and how the CILA rate model and payment methodology should be updated.

“It is important to make sure that the state reimburses these CILA providers for 100 percent of their services so that they can continue having the financial means of providing for clients’ needs,” said Representative Mulligan.

Proponents to House Resolution 852 include The Arc of Illinois, Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities, Statewide Independent Living Council, INCIL, Council on Developmental Disabilities, and CILA providers.

House Resolution 852 directs the Secretary of Human Services to review the current CILA rate model and payment methods. The Secretary must meet with the agencies that provide CILA’S and determine the impact of the current rate model and payment methods on the ability of the state to provide the highest level of care in CILA’S. The resolution also requires a report concluding the findings and accompanying suggestions.

For more information, contact Rep. Mulligan’s office at (847) 297-6533.