Illinois’ Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)

Electronic visit verification (EVV) is a technology-based system that efficiently verifies home healthcare visits.  It collects information by capturing time, location, and attendance of home care workers.

A federally mandated requirement, EVV reduces the likelihood of error while promoting program integrity through a practical and simple monitoring system. It is designed to promote quality services and positive outcomes for our customers.

In 2016, Congress passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which requires states to implement the use of Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) in all Medicaid-funded personal care services and home health care. 

The purpose of implementing EVV is to support Illinois' goal to improve Medicaid program integrity, safeguard against fraud and abuse, improve program oversight, and comply with federal requirements.

• Personal Care Services (PCS): Individuals receiving personal support in the home through Illinois' Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers, This consists of services supporting Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation. Illinois’ (HCBS) waivers that fall under the PCS definition include:
  

  • Persons with Disabilities waiver
  • Brain Injury waiver
    
  • HIV/AIDS waiver
  • Elderly Waiver
    
  • Adults with Developmental Disabilities Waiver
  • Children and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities Support Waiver

• Home Health Care Services (HHCS): Individuals receiving home health services through the Medicaid State Plan, or authorized under a waiver, including the Medically Fragile Technology Dependent (MFTD) Waiver

• 05/10/2023:  Informational Notice – Exemption to Electronic Visit Verification for Live In Caregivers for Department of Human Services-Division of Developmental Disabilities Waiver Programs

• Type of service performed
• Individual receiving the service
• Date of the service
• Location of service delivery
• Individual providing the service
• Time the service begins and ends

The 21st Century Cures Act includes a provision that allows states to delay implementation of EVV for up to one year if the state has encountered unavoidable delays and they can demonstrate they have made a good faith effort to comply with EVV requirements.  

The Act mandates a compliance date of January 1, 2020, for all personal care services, and January 1, 2023, for all home health services. HFS is requesting a one-year extension of the implementation date for home health services. The Department estimates implementation for all personal care services and home health services in 2023.   

HFS will continue to work with stakeholders, sister state agencies, managed care organizations, providers, and customers to implement a practical and efficient EVV system. The Department is committed to working with customers, providers, and vendors to meet training needs and implement a quality solution as quickly as possible. We will be conducting stakeholder meetings, sending notices, and using other tools to explain the process and solicit input.

January 1, 2020 — Original deadline for all personal care services to begin using EVV.

January 2021 — Begin to receive added stakeholder input, Request for Proposal (RFP) drafted.

June 2, 2021 — The Request for Proposal (RFP) for EVV posted.

March 2022 — EVV vendor selected.

January 1, 2023 — Deadline for all home health services to begin using EVV. HFS is requesting a one year extension.   

January 2023 through December 2023 — Implementation of EVV for Personal Care Services under the Adults with Developmental Disabilities and the Children with Developmental Disabilities Support Waivers, implement EVV for home health services, train providers and customers on new EVV system.

Questions and comments may be emailed to HFS.EVV@ILLINOIS.gov. Additional information pertaining to EVV implementation will continue to be posted on this website.