The Affordable Assisted Living Coalition and Caremerge sent a letter to Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner expressing concern that 3,000 or more seniors and people with disabilities would have to leave their current residences and seek housing and services elsewhere should his proposed budget be implemented.
The governor has proposed an increase in the determination of need score (from 29 to 37) and a rate cut. The changes would affect the state’s Supportive Living Program, administered through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
“We understand the severity of the budget crisis, but to close the budget gap at the expense of seniors and persons with disabilities is not only wrong, but will actually further deepen the budget crisis by forcing residents into homelessness or premature institutionalization,” Wayne Smallwood, executive director of coalition, said in a statement.
