Healthcare

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Repeals provisions that require: (i) the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to consult with stakeholders and General Assembly members for input on a plan to develop enhanced Medicaid rates for substance use disorder treatment and mental health treatment in underserved communities; and (ii) the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Human Services to collaborate to review coverage and billing requirements for substance use prevention and recovery and mental health services with the goal of identifying disparities and streamlining coverage and billing requirements to reduce the administrative burden for providers and medical assistance beneficiaries. Effective January 1, 2026.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services may provide medical assistance coverage to persons who are foreign-born victims of human trafficking, torture, or other serious crimes, and their derivative family members, if such persons meet certain residency and income requirements and meet one of the following conditions: (i) have filed an application for asylum status that is pending with the appropriate federal agency or have a pending appeal of such an application; (ii) are receiving services through a federally funded treatment center; (iii) have filed an application for T nonimmigrant status; (iv) have filed an application for U nonimmigrant status; or (v) have filed as a derivative family member of a T or U nonimmigrant status applicant. Removes language conditioning medical assistance eligibility for such persons on their eligibility for benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that any person who is at least 18 years of age shall be qualified to provide community-based mental health services under the medical assistance program as a rehabilitative services associate or peer support worker if the person meets all other applicable eligibility requirements for certification. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to adopt rules to implement the amendatory Act.

Amends the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act. Provides that, if the injured employee subsequently dies, the employer shall continue to pay the entire health insurance premium for the surviving spouse (rather than the surviving spouse until remarried) and for the dependent children under specified conditions.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that, in accordance with federal guidance issued by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall exempt from electronic visit verification requirements all live-in caregivers who provide Medicaid-funded personal care services or home health care services under the Illinois Title XIX State Plan or a waiver of the plan, including personal care services and home health care services provided under various home and community-based services waiver programs authorized under the Social Security Act. Defines "live-in caregiver". Grants the Department rulemaking authority. Effective immediately.

Condemns President Donald Trump's cruel and lawless efforts to block lifesaving services that help people access healthcare, put food on the table, afford housing, and more. Urges the United States Congress to take clear and unequivocal action to check the undemocratic actions of the Trump Administration that violate the constitutional separation of power. Renews the commitment to helping Illinois families get ahead by supporting the services they need to be their best, expanding access to affordable healthcare, and reining in the cost of living.