HB4677eng 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB4677 Engrossed LRB103 35849 KTG 65934 b

AN ACT concerning aging.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Illinois Caregiver Assistance and Resource Portal Act.

Section 5. Purpose and intent. The purpose of this Act is to establish a State-created virtual portal that features a virtual comprehensive directory of State, federal, non-profit, and paid resources dedicated to caregiving and Illinois' 1,300,000 unpaid caregivers. The mission of this portal is to provide caregivers with simplified and trusted access to an information, support, and resource website to help caregivers develop and implement caregiving plans for their loved ones or friends.

Section 10. Establishment of the Illinois Caregiver Assistance and Resources Portal.

(a) Subject to appropriation, the Department on Aging, in consultation with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs, shall be responsible for the creation and maintenance of the Illinois Caregiver Assistance and Resource Portal (hereinafter referred to as the "Portal").

(b) The Portal shall serve as a centralized and trusted online platform offering a wide range of resources related to caregiving, including, but not limited to:

(1) Information on State and federal programs, benefits, and resources on caregiving, long-term care, and at-home care for Illinois residents who are 50 years of age or older.

(2) Information from non-profit organizations providing free-of-charge caregiving support and resources.

(3) Tools and guides for developing and implementing caregiving plans.

(4) Direct contact information for relevant Illinois agencies, organizations, and other State-licensed long-term care, aging, senior support services, and at-home care providers.

(5) Educational materials, articles, and videos on caregiving best practices.

(6) Accommodations for users with different language preferences, ensuring the information is accessible to diverse audiences.

(c) By incorporating these resources, the Portal aims to serve as a comprehensive and user-friendly hub for caregivers, providing them with the tools, information, and support they need to navigate the complex landscape of caregiving, nursing home care, and at-home care and other essential resources that are readily accessible. Additional information and resources to be featured may include the following:

(1) Caregiving resources: A comprehensive section dedicated to caregiving, including guides, articles, and videos on caregiving techniques, managing caregiver stress, and enhancing the quality of care provided.

(2) Home and community-based services: Resources, descriptions, and opportunities on how the State supports family caregivers, to include, but not be limited to, the Senior HelpLine, Illinois Care Connections, the Community Care Program, Adult Protective Services, the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Adult Day Services, the Home Delivered Meals program, and all other programming and services offered by the Department on Aging.

(3) Nursing home care: State and federal information and online resources on nursing homes, including facility ratings, reviews, and resources for choosing the right nursing home based on specific needs and preferences.

(4) Area Agency on Aging: A dedicated section highlighting the services and programs offered by Area Agencies on Aging, including, but not limited to, assistance with long-term care planning, nutrition, transportation, caregiver support and need assessment, and the address and contact information of statewide Area Agencies on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Centers.

(5) At-home care: Resources and guides for at-home care, including information on hiring caregivers, managing in-home medical and non-medical care, and ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment.

(6) Hospital-to-home transition: A specialized section focusing on the transition from hospital care to home-based care, offering tips, checklists, and resources to ensure a smooth transition and continued recovery at home.

(7) Contact Information: Direct contact details for relevant agencies, organizations, and State-licensed professionals involved in caregiving, nursing home care, and at-home care, making it easy for users to connect with the right resources.

(8) Medicaid coverage and resources: Information on Medicaid coverage for long-term care services, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and available Medicaid-funded programs and services to support caregivers and care recipients.

(9) Financial assistance: Details on financial assistance programs and benefits available at the State and federal levels, including grants, subsidies, and tax incentives that can ease the financial burden of caregiving.

(10) Veterans' assistance: Details on veterans' assistance programs and benefits available at the State and federal levels.

(11) Legal and planning Tools: Resources for legal matters related to caregiving, such as power of attorney, advance directives, and estate planning, and tools to help users create and manage caregiving plans. Services offered under this paragraph do not include the practice of law.

(12) Support groups: A directory of local caregiver support groups and online communities where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and receive emotional support.

Section 15. Accessibility and user-friendliness.

(a) The Portal shall be designed to be user-friendly and accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities.

(b) The Portal shall include features such as search functionality, language accessibility, and compatibility with assistive technologies to ensure that a diverse range of caregivers can use it.

Section 20. Outreach and promotion.

(a) The Department on Aging, in consultation with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs, shall undertake an outreach and promotional campaign to raise awareness about the Portal and its resources upon completion.

(b) The campaign shall include a digital-first strategy to inform health care providers, social service agencies, and community organizations about the Portal's availability.

(c) The campaign shall coordinate with the State-wide 2-1-1 Service system administered under the 2-1-1 Service Act in order to insure persons calling 2-1-1 telephone lines are directed, when appropriate, to the Portal and reciprocally to 2-1-1.

Section 25. Reporting and evaluation. The Department on Aging, in consultation with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs, shall provide an annual report to the General Assembly and State executive officers outlining the usage statistics, user feedback, and any necessary improvements to the Portal.

Section 30. Funding. Funding for the creation, maintenance, and promotion of the Portal shall be subject to appropriation from State funding and can be matched with possible federal resources.

Section 35. Implementation date. The Portal shall be implemented 3 years after the effective date of this Act.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.