Illinois
Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Illinois’s population numbered at 12,882,135 in 2013. Females comprised 50.9% of the state’s residents. On the other hand, senior citizens made up 13.5% of the overall population of Illinois. Seniors usually experience problems in physical and cognitive health, along with certain aging-related ailments, that may necessitate long-term care.
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the illnesses that often manifest among older adults. Illinois recorded 210,000 Alzheimer’s cases in 2010; this figure is expected to grow up to 240,000 cases in 2025. According to findings from a 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 39% of adults aged 60 and above experienced memory loss that hindered them from doing daily tasks and joining social activities.
Diabetes affected an estimated 800,000 Illinois residents in 2011, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Around 500,000 more have this disease unknowingly. Senior citizens are at higher risk of diabetes, which was diagnosed in 19.8% of adults aged 65 and older in 2010. In fact, 71% of adult diabetes patients also risk developing hypertension, which can result in needing long-term care services.
An estimated 1,200 long term care facilities, such as those administering skilled nursing care, can be found in Illinois. These facilities provide care to 100,000 citizens of all ages.
Cost of Care
Below are the average daily cost* of long-term care services in Illinois.
| City | Nursing Facility1 | Assisted Living1 | Adult Day Care2 | Home Health Aide3 |
| Chicago | $214 | $164 | $67 | $132 |
| Peoria | $283 | $77 | $138 | $108 |
| Rockford | $238 | $113 | $63 | $126 |
| Springfield | $226 | $143 | $77 | $108 |
Notes:
*Costs are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
1Daily average for a private room.
2Based on five days of care per week.
3Based on six hours of care per day, five days per week.
Insurance Options
John Hancock’s web-based marketing system called LTC Captivate became accessible in 36 compact states, including Illinois, on May 20, 2013.
On September 10, 2013, Transamerica introduced a newer product for long-term care insurance coverage called TransCare III. The insurance carrier developed TransCare III in line with the present-day situation of the LTCI market. TransCare III’s features include a raised maximum daily benefit amount, a longer option for elimination period, and several riders.
Privileged Choice Flex 2, a recently-released LTCI policy by Genworth, became available to Illinois residents on November 11, 2013. Compared to its predecessor, Flex 2 has a 4% Compound Inflation Protection, a lower Maximum Issue Age, and four types of underwriting. It also calls for formal care providers to reimburse home health or custodial care services.
Insurance carriers that also offer LTCI in Illinois include Assurity Life, Berkshire Life, Country Life, Equitable Life, Massachusetts Mutual, MedAmerica, Mutual of Omaha, Physicians Mutual, and State Farm.
State Long-Term Care Programs
Individuals with long-term care needs can benefit from Medicare coverage for nursing facility care, home health care, therapy, and other services. HFS 3757, or Medicare Savings for Qualified Beneficiaries, allows Illinois clients to save up to around $1,250 in premiums annually. Those who meet assigned income and asset limits, and have Part A coverage can be eligible under this support program.
About 3 million individuals in Illinois receive coverage from Medicaid, another government health program. It comes in three options: Choices, Fee-for-Service, and Managed Care. Illinois made efforts to transfer hundreds of thousands of low-income care dependents into Managed Care. The transfer was scheduled to be accomplished by January 1, 2015.
The Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative (MMAI) helps people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, also known as dual eligibles. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved this initiative in Illinois on February 22, 2013. In January 2014, a MMAI pilot program enabled dual eligibles from the Chicago metropolitan area and central Illinois to get coordinated care.
Community-based living and services become more accessible to care recipients through several initiatives under the state’s Rebalancing Long-Term Care in Illinois program.
More Resources
To get more specific information regarding long-term care services and insurance options in Illinois, please check the following websites:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Helps in searching for nursing homes, and has a guide for choosing the right LTC facility.
University of Illinois Extension
Provides comprehensive LTC knowledge that involves housing, caregiving, and finances.
Compare Plan Options in Illinois
Get quotes for insurance coverage and options available in your area. Simply fill the form below with your information:
By clicking submit, you agree to be contacted by a representative who will process your quote request and answer your questions.
