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.
Fiscal Year 2011 Introduced Budget
On March 10, 2010, following the Governor's budget message, Director Charles D. Johnson presented an overview of the Fiscal Year 2011 introduced budget for the Illinois Department on Aging.
View the Illinois Department on Aging Fiscal Year 2011 Introduced Budget, (PDF)
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Health & Benefits |
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How will healthcare reform affect older adults?
The Illinois Department of Insurance has highlighted Medicare changes in the recently enacted national reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("the Act"). Visit Medicare Changes in National Health Reform.
In addition, the National Council on Aging, has prepared a factsheet, Straight Talk for Seniors on Health Reform and a list of resources for more information.
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.
2010: Year of the Engaged Older Adult |
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2010 is a time of engaging all ages in the renewal of Illinois. You are cordially invited to participate in 2010: The Year of the Engaged Older Adult which celebrates the contributions of older adults and promote the civic engagement of all ages – individuals, families, and communities. The goal is to highlight existing efforts in civic engagement and expand them to boost learning, strengthen the workforce, and enrich community life.
Each month of the year will offer a theme with the purpose of creating stronger connections among the generations. For information and ideas, visit Generations Serving Generations.
Seniors Ride Free |
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Seniors Ride Free. Mass transit agencies statewide are required to allow older adults aged 65 and older to use main line and fixed route public transit service for free.
For more information, please visit www.illinois.gov/transit/.
Recovery |
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American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. When President Barack Obama signed the $787 billion economic stimulus into law, the National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA) developed a summary that highlights key provisions of the plan. To view it, download the Department Summary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
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Rulemaking
Activity Update |
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NOTICE – Emergency amendments were filed with the Secretary of State Index Department on August 4, 2010, which affect Sections 240.728 and 240.729, in Part 240 of the rules governing the Community Care Program under Title 89 of the Illinois Administrative Code. The effect of this action is to revert back to the maximum payment levels for services based on DON ranges under the program. The emergency amendments will remain in effect for a maximum of 150 days and should appear in the edition of the Illinois Register that will be published on August 20. These rules will appear in the Illinois Register on page 12224 in Volume 34 on August 20, 2010.
NOTICE – Emergency amendments (and identical proposed rules) were filed with the Secretary of State Index Department on July 15, 2010, 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). The emergency amendments will remain in effect for a maximum of 150 days. These rules will appear in the Illinois Register on page 10854 (emergency) and on page 10595 (proposed) in Volume 34 on July 30, 2010.
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 |
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News:
8/10/10 – Department on Aging will recognize outstanding older workers & their employers in honor of National Employ the Older Worker Week
8/5/10 – State Department on Aging invites seniors and their families
to enjoy activities at this year’s Illinois State Fair
7/26/10 – Department on Aging is accepting Senior Hall of Fame nominations
7/17/10 – Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Further Protect Seniors from Financial Exploitation
7/16/10 – Illinois Department on Aging Recognizes the Dedication of Advocates During the Annual Elder Rights Conference
7/8/10 – Governor Quinn Announces Start of LIHEAP Summer Cooling Program (PDF)
7/3/10– Illinois Department on Aging salutes Veterans this Independence Day with the launch of the Veterans Independence Program
7/2/10 – Illinois Department on Aging urges people to “Break the Silence” and report suspected incidents of Elder Abuse
6/ 14 /10 – Illinois Department on Aging calls for attention & action against Elder Abuse
5/ 12 /10 – State Dept on Aging Salutes Those Who Make a Positive Difference in the Lives of Nursing Home Residents
5/ 6 /10 – The State Honors Seniors during Older Americans Month
4/ 28 /10 – Illinois Department on Aging Stresses Leadership to Promote Mentoring
3/ 9 /10 – Illinois Department on Aging Stresses Health Promotion as an Asset for Aging
2/ 1 /10 – Illinois Department on Aging Focuses on Oral History to Document Stories and Learn Lesson
1/ 12 /10 – Dept. on Aging urges Seniors and People with Disabilities to Apply Online for Circuit Breaker and Illinois Cares Rx beginning January 13. A new state law has raised income eligibility, so more people qualify for benefits
1/ 5 /10 – New Web site creates Illinois ‘hub for housing.' Free to Search, Free to List Properties (PDF)
1/ 5 /10 – Dept on Aging Urges Civic Involvement and Commitment. Planning Underway for Monthly Events and Themes to Garner
View more news
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New & Updated Publications |
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Did You Know? |
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- 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.
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