For many seniors and individuals with disabilities, staying at home as they age or manage a health condition is a top priority.
Yes, Medicaid can pay for in-home care in Illinois through Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs. These programs allow eligible individuals to receive personal care and support services at home instead of moving to a nursing facility.
Illinois Medicaid’s in-home care programs are designed to help people maintain independence, safety, and quality of life while remaining in familiar surroundings. Oversight for these services is managed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), ensuring care is accessible, regulated, and appropriate for those who need it most.
Illinois Medicaid Programs for In-Home Care
Illinois offers several Medicaid programs specifically designed to provide in-home care and support for seniors and people with disabilities. These programs operate under HFS oversight and help eligible individuals remain at home while receiving the care they need.
Persons Who Are Elderly Waiver (HCBS Elderly Waiver)
The Elderly Waiver is for Illinois residents age 60 or older who require a nursing-facility level of care but prefer to stay at home.
Covered services may include:
- Personal care assistance
- Homemaker services
- Adult day services
- Emergency response systems
- Automated medication dispensers
This program allows seniors to live safely at home while receiving the support they would otherwise need in a nursing facility.
Community Care Program (CCP)
The Community Care Program also serves Illinois residents age 60 and older who meet income and asset requirements.
CCP provides:
- In-home personal care
- Homemaker assistance
- Care coordination and regular wellness monitoring
To qualify, participants must have countable assets of $17,500 or less (as of 2025) and demonstrate functional need. CCP plays a critical role in helping seniors remain independent and avoid institutional care.
Persons with Disabilities Waiver (PWD Waiver)
For Illinois residents under 60, or those “aging in” with a qualifying disability, the PWD Waiver offers in-home support for individuals with severe disabilities. Covered services include personal assistance, homemaker services, therapy, home modifications, and meal delivery, allowing participants to manage daily tasks and maintain independence.
Other Illinois Medicaid Waivers
Illinois also offers specialized waiver programs for individuals with specific needs, including:
- Brain Injury Waiver
- HIV/AIDS Waiver
- Supportive Living programs
Each waiver has unique eligibility requirements, but all share the same goal of helping individuals live safely at home rather than in institutional settings.
Eligibility Criteria for In-Home Care in Illinois
Qualifying for Medicaid-funded in-home care in Illinois requires meeting several specific criteria, designed to ensure that assistance goes to those who truly need it.
Residency and Citizenship
Applicants must be residents of Illinois and either U.S. citizens or eligible aliens. Proof of residency and citizenship is required as part of the application process.
Functional Need
To qualify, individuals must demonstrate a “nursing facility level of care.” This means they require assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, or medication management, care that would otherwise necessitate placement in a nursing facility.
Income and Assets
Financial eligibility is an important factor:
- Single applicants: Countable assets must be $17,500 or less (as of 2025).
- Primary residence: The home is generally exempt if the applicant or their spouse lives there, provided the equity does not exceed $730,000.
- Married couples: Spousal protections apply, allowing the non-applicant spouse to retain certain assets and income to maintain household stability.
Look-Back Rule
Illinois enforces a 60-month look-back period for asset transfers, gifts, or sales below fair market value. Transfers made during this time may affect eligibility and could result in a period of Medicaid ineligibility, so careful planning is essential.
Meeting these criteria is the first step toward accessing the state’s in-home care programs, ensuring that seniors and people with disabilities can safely remain in their homes while receiving the support they need.
How to Apply for Medicaid In-Home Care in Illinois
Applying for Medicaid-funded in-home care in Illinois involves several key steps, designed to ensure applicants receive the right level of support based on their needs.
- Submit Your Application
There are two primary ways to apply for Illinois Medicaid:
- Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS): You can apply online, by mail, or in person at your local IDHS office.
- Local Area Agency on Aging (AAA): Seniors can also apply through their local AAA, which provides guidance and support throughout the process.
- Functional Assessment
Once your application is submitted, a functional assessment is conducted by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) or a designated care coordinator. This evaluation determines whether you meet the “nursing facility level of care” requirement for in-home services. - Waiver Slot / Enrollment
Many in-home care programs operate under waiver systems, which may have limited slots. If a program has a waitlist, you may be placed in a queue until a spot becomes available. - Care Coordination
After enrollment, a state-approved Illinois care coordinator will work with you to develop a personalized care plan. This plan outlines the in-home services you are eligible for, such as personal care, homemaker services, therapy, or meal delivery, ensuring that your support is tailored to your needs.
Following these steps helps ensure that eligible Illinois residents can access the in-home care services they need to maintain independence and quality of life.
Medicaid Home Care vs Private Pay Home Care
Medicaid-funded in-home care covers essential services needed for daily living but does not always include extended or round-the-clock care.
Some families choose to combine:
- Medicaid-covered services for basic care needs
- Private pay home care for additional hours, overnight support, or companionship
This blended approach allows families to customize care while staying within budget.
Assisting Hands Home Care Palos Is a Medicaid-Approved Provider
Choosing a Medicaid-approved home care provider is an important step when arranging in-home care for yourself or a loved one.
Assisting Hands Palos is proud to be a Medicaid-approved provider, serving seniors and individuals with disabilities in Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, and surrounding Southwest Chicago communities. This approval allows us to deliver trusted, non-medical in-home care services that meet Illinois Medicaid requirements while helping clients remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home.
Our experienced caregivers provide assistance with daily activities such as personal care, companionship, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. We also work closely with care coordinators and healthcare professionals to ensure services are aligned with your approved Medicaid care plan.
If you are unsure about eligibility, coverage, or how to get started, our team is here to help guide you through the process with clarity and compassion.
Call Assisting Hands Palos at (773) 207-3767 to learn more about Medicaid-covered in-home care and how we can support you or your loved one at home.
