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Pathways to Community Living - Consumer FAQs
Illinois' Money Follows the Person Demonstration
What is it?
Pathways to Community Living is a federal program that lasts until September 30, 2016. It is focused on increasing the use of home and community based services. Home and community based services are services that you can get at home instead of in a long term care facility.
The program is nationally known as the Money Follows the Person program. The Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are in charge. In Illinois, four state agencies help with the program. These are the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Department of Human Services, the Department on Aging, and the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
What are the Goals?
Pathways to Community Living helps people like you move out of a nursing facility. Also, the program provides services and supports to help people succeed in community living and be happy there. There are three goals that support this mission.
To make it easier for interested people to receive long term care services in community settings
To increase the ability of the state to provide home and community based services for individuals who move to the community
To make sure that home and community based services are continuously improving
What Does the Program Mean for Me?
Pathways to Community Living gives you choices about where you can live, and the services and supports to help you succeed in the community. It is all about giving you more control over your life. If you are in a nursing facility or an intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled (ICF/DD) and want to move to the community, this program may be just for you. You control the process!
How Does it Work?
If you choose to participate in the program, a Transition Coordinator will help to determine if you are eligible. They will also help to make a transition and care plan that includes services and supports to help you in the community. The Transition Coordinator is there to help you!
How Do I Know if I Am Eligible?
Pathways to Community Living is available to many people! This includes elderly individuals over age 60, individuals with physical disabilities, individuals with mental illness, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. First, you just have to be interested in the program! There are a few other requirements that have to be met.
You must be living in a nursing facility or ICF/DD, and have lived there for at least 90 days
You must be receiving or be eligible for Medicaid
You must be interested in moving to the community and able to do so safely
You must choose to enroll in the program and move to a qualified community setting
What Services are Provided?
Your Transition Coordinator will go over in detail what services you may receive in the community. Services offered through Pathways to Community Living include:
Support with your move into the community including one on one assistance and financial support
Guidance and support from a qualified Transition Coordinator who will follow up for 365 days with you
A care plan with services to meet your needs
Housing Support that includes help finding a home, help with transition costs, and home improvements
What Housing Choices Do I Have?
There are several housing options that you can choose from through Pathways to Community Living. Once your eligibility is determined, a Transition Coordinator will go over your housing options in detail.
Home owned or leased by you or a family member
Apartment with individual lease, secure access, as well as living, sleeping, bathing and cooking areas over which you or your family has control – including Supportive Living Facilities for individuals over 65
Community-based residential setting a maximum of four unrelated people
Pathways to Community Living Partner Agencies:
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For more information, including how to make a referral, please visit us on the Web at:
HFS 8 (N-4-12)
IOCI0400-12