Illinois Launching Community Health Care Program for Seniors

CHICAGO, IL – Illinois senior citizens may have more convenient access to healthcare as soon as next summer. The Prizker administration announced a new, holistic care program that will be offered as an alternative for those who do not want to live in a nursing home.

Nearly 260,000 senior citizens in Illinois depend on Medicare and Medicaid for their personal health care. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is designed to offer comprehensive health services for seniors living in the community who would otherwise qualify to live in a nursing home facility. PACE’s model of community-based living offers residents an alternative option of health care.

PACE will allow seniors to enroll in the program where they can receive individualized specialty care, personal care, therapy, medications and mental health amongst other services.

Illinois will join 31 other states with PACE programs that currently serves roughly 60,000 people across the country.

Retired nurse Anita Stenzel spoke to KWQC starting she supported the initiative as long as it’s available to everyone and doesn’t cost too much out-of-pocket. She mentioned while her nursing home was frequently understaffed, the state needs more people conducting wellness checks on these facilities.

“We’re bringing access right to our seniors’ doorsteps,” Pritzker stated. “And if it’s covered by Medicare and Medicaid, it’s covered by PACE.”