Home and Community-Based Waiver Services

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has several waiver services for people who qualify. The Blue Cross Community Health PlansSM support these five waivers, which provide services to help you stay in your own home or live in a community setting.

Click on one of the five waivers below to expand and see details.

  • Elderly Waiver

    This program is for members who are 60 years of age or older and who might need nursing facility level care.

    You can get the Elderly Waiver if:

    • You are a U.S. citizen or legal alien and a resident of Illinois
    • You are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare
    • Your service needs are cost-effective
    • Your new, nursing facility level care must be safely maintained

    It covers the following services:

    • Adult Day Service
    • Adult Day Service Transportation
    • Homemaker
    • Personal Emergency Response System
    • Automated Medication Dispenser

    If you are in the Elderly Waiver program, your Care Coordinator will visit you at least one time every 3 months.

  • Disabilities Waiver

    This program is for members who have a physical disability.

    You can get the Disabilities Waiver if:

    • You are a U.S. citizen or legal alien and a resident of Illinois
    • You are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare
    • You are age 59 or younger and need nursing facility level care, including adults needing a ventilator
    • Or, you’re age 60 or older, began waiver services before turning 60, and choose to stay with this waiver

    It covers the following services:

    • Adaptive Equipment
    • Adult Day Health
    • Personal Emergency Response System
    • Environmental Accessibility Adaptations
    • Home Delivered Meals
    • Home Health Aide
    • Homemaker
    • Nursing – Skilled
    • Nursing – Intermittent
    • Personal Assistant
    • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
    • Respite

    If you are in the Disabilities Waiver program, your Care Coordinator will visit you at least one time every 3 months.
     

  • Brain Injury Waiver

    This program is for members who have a brain injury and need a nursing facility level of care.

     You can get the Brain Injury Waiver if:

    • You are a U.S. citizen or legal alien and a resident of Illinois
    • You are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare

    It covers the following services:

    • Adaptive Equipment
    • Adult Day Health
    • Personal Emergency Response System
    • Environmental Accessibility Adaptations
    • Home Delivered Meals
    • Home Health Aide
    • Homemaker
    • Nursing – Skilled
    • Nursing – Intermittent
    • Personal Assistant
    • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
    • Prevocational Services
    • Respite
    • Supported Employment

    If you are in the Brain Injury Waiver, your Care Coordinator will contact you at least one time every month.
     

  • HIV or AIDS Waiver

    This program is for members who have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS and would otherwise need to be in a hospital setting.

    You can get the HIV/AIDS Waiver if:

    • You are a U.S. citizen or legal alien and a resident of the state of Illinois
    • You meet Medicaid financial eligibility criteria and are eligible for Medicare

    It covers the following services:

    • Adaptive Equipment
    • Adult Day Health
    • Adult Day Transportation
    • Personal Emergency Response System
    • Environmental Accessibility Adaptations
    • Home Delivered Meals
    • Home Health Aide
    • Homemaker
    • Nursing – Skilled
    • Nursing – Intermittent
    • Personal Assistant
    • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
    • Respite

    If you are in the HIV or AIDS Waiver, your Care Coordinator will contact you every month. You will meet in person every other month.
     

  • Supportive Living Program (SLP) Waiver

    This program is for members who are either at least 22 years of age and have a disability or at least 65 years of age.

    You can get the Supportive Living Program Waiver if:

    • You are a U.S. citizen or legal alien and a resident of Illinois
    • You are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare
    • You would otherwise need to live in a nursing facility
    • You are not listed as a sex offender
    • You have proof of a tuberculosis (TB) test with the Control of TB Code showing no active TB
    • Your income is equal to or greater than the current maximum allowable amount of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and you agree to pay all but $90 each month toward lodging, meals and service

    It covers the following services:

    • Three meals and snacks each day
    • A licensed nurse to manage your medications
    • Routine health assessments and health education
    • Personal Care by a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) or licensed nursing staff
    • Social events
    • Health and wellness events
    • Daily well checks
    • Emergency call lights
    • Housekeeping
    • Laundry
    • Maintenance
    • Extra services, like arranging travel to the doctor and helping with shopping when needed

    SLPs do not offer complex medical services or support. Supportive living is an alternative to nursing home care. It mixes housing with personal care and supportive services.

    If you are in the Supportive Living Program Waiver, your Care Coordinator will complete an assessment visit with you every year.
     

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Member Resources

Check the MLTSS Blue KitSM for details on benefits and services.

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