The Illinois Department on Aging helps older people live independently in their own homes and communities. As the population ages, services and programs for older people must evolve as well because longevity means more when quality of life is enhanced. To best serve older adults, we must also serve their families and teach younger people about the realities of aging, so many of our programs have an intergenerational emphasis. Working with Area Agencies on Aging, community-based service providers and older people themselves, the Illinois Department on Aging strives to improve quality of life for current and future generations of older Illinoisans.

Public Comments Welcome
for the "State Plan on Aging FY 2013–FY 2015"

Health & Benefits

Are you looking for assistance? Find out what federal, state and local programs you may qualify for by visiting www.benefitscheckup.org. You may also download the booklet, State and Federal Programs for Older Adults (PDF).

Many Illinoisans with Medicare can save up to $1,320 each year by participating in Medicare Savings Programs. These programs may help pay Medicare premiums, so individuals can keep more of their social security checks. For an overview on applying for Medicare Savings Programs and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit Illinois Benefits. Complete application, print and mail

Rulemaking Activity Update

The Department published its Regulatory Agenda on page 586 of Issue 2 in Volume 35 of the Illinois Register on January 7, 2011.

NOTICE – Amendments have been adopted by the Department which affect Sections 240.130, 240.760, and 240.865, in Part 240 of the rules governing the Community Care Program under Title 89 of the Illinois Administrative Code. The amendments are needed to maximize the number of individuals eligible for Medicaid under this program and to improve the data-matching ability of the State in claiming reimbursement for services provided under the Medicaid waiver. Such action will ensure that participants are not claimed under multiple waivers and that the 24-month Medicaid application constraint is rescinded. These rules were published in the Illinois Register on page 20130 in Volume 35 on December 23, 2011.

NOTICE – Joint rules were filed for adoption at the Index Department by the Department and the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation on July 28, 2011. These rules relate to Financial Exploitation Training by Financial Institutions in new Sections 271.100, 271.101, 271.110, 271.120, and 271.130 under Title 89 of the Illinois Administrative Code. Adoption of these rules implements Public 96-1103 by setting forth the minimum training and recordkeeping responsibilities for employees and officers of financial institutions (excluding currency exchanges) operating in Illinois regarding recognition and reporting of observed and suspected financial exploitation of older persons. These rules were published in the Illinois Register on page 13103 in Issue 33, Volume 35 on August 12, 2011.

NOTICE – Amendments have been adopted by the Department which affect Sections 270.210, 270.220, 270.221 (new), 270.275, 270.280 (new), 270.285 (new), 270.290 (new), 270.295 (new), and 270.300 (new) in Part 270 of the rules governing the Elder Abuse and Neglect Program under Title 89 of the Illinois Administrative Code. These amendments revise definitions; add a provision regarding authority of a regional administrative agency to procure services during no-business hours for a combined or shared service area under Public Act 95-76; add new provisions regarding Elder Abuse Fatality Review Teams as authorized under Public Act 95-402; update references to various new categories of individuals who are authorized to request confidential elder abuse records under Public Act 96-526; and establish rules governing the use of volunteers in local elder abuse programs under Public Act 94-431. These rules were published in the Illinois Register on page 8180 in Volume 35 on May 27, 2011.

NOTICE – Amendments have been adopted by the Department which affect which affect Sections 240.160, 240.230, 240.340, 240.415, 240.728, 240.729, 240.825, 240.855, 240.870, 245.875, 240.920, 240.935, 240.945, 240.950, 240.1110, 240.1120, 240.1130, 240.1520, 240.1550, 240.2020, and 240.2040, in Part 240 of the rules governing the Community Care Program under Title 89 of the Illinois Administrative Code. These amendments are intended to improve efficiencies in operational efforts, service utilization, and billing issues under this program consistent with the rulemaking grant of authority under Public Act 96-958 (the Emergency Budget Act of Fiscal Year 2011). These rules were published in the Illinois Register on page 8919 in Volume 35 on June 17, 2011.

Interested persons may submit written comments on proposed rulemaking projects within 45 days after the date of publication of the notice. Illinois Rules are located on the Illinois General Assembly Web site under "Rules and Regulations: Administrative Rules." To view previous notices, see Statutes and Administrative Rules.

Press Releases   News: 5/16/12 - State Honors Older Adults in Observance of Older Americans Month 5/14/12 - Dept on Aging Praises Long-term Care Advocates in Observance of Nursing Home Week 3/08/12 – Consumer Protection Training Completed at Illinois Banks and Credit Unions 1/17/12 – State Aging Director Touts Benefits of Intergenerational Program with Veterans and High School Teens 12/21/11 – Dept on Aging Offers Tips to Help Seniors Prepare For Winter 12/09/11 - 2011 Governor's Conference Award Winners 12/09/11 – State Wraps up 30th Annual Governor's Conference on Aging 11/23/11 – State Thanks Family Caregivers in Observance of Awareness Month 11/22/11 – IDOT Unveils Life-Saving Yellow Dot Program 11/07/11 – State Hosts Annual Memory Conference During Alzheimer's Awareness Month View more news

New & Updated Publications   DRAFT! State Plan on Aging for FY 2013–2015. (Public comments are due June 15.) Updated! Senior Community Service Employment Program brochure (2010). Updated! B*SAFE: Bankers and Seniors Against Financial Exploitation brochures for Bankers and for Seniors (2010). Updated! Illinois Cares Rx brochure (2010). New! Older Adult Services Act Annual Report, 2012. New! Money Follows the Person brochure. Money Follows the Person Annual Report (HFS) Updated! Elder Abuse and Neglect Act and Related Laws booklet. Updated! Choices for Care book and brochure. Updated! Community Care Program brochure.

Did You Know?

• You can contact the Department's toll–free Senior HelpLine for free publications and additional information about aging services in Illinois.



• To report elder abuse, call the 24-hour, toll–free Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-866-800-1409, 1-888-206-1327 (TTY).



• You may obtain information about services for senior citizens anywhere across the United States by contacting the Administration on Aging's Eldercare Locator Program homepage or calling toll free at 1-800-677-1116 (Voice & TTY).



• For information on how to improve site accessibility and readability, view the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act.