Starting an HCBS Agency in Illinois

What You Need to Know About Starting a Specific HCBS Agency in Illinois


These videos give an overview of the various Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) available in Illinois for providers who want to learn how to start or operate an HCBS agency in the state. Each video explains the purpose of the service, provider requirements, licensing process, and how the program functions in Illinois. Use these videos to better understand the responsibilities, standards, and steps involved in becoming or working with approved HCBS providers in Illinois. Explore each section to find the service that best matches your goals or area of interest.

Respite Care

Respite Care Services in Illinois provide short-term, temporary relief to family caregivers of individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions. These services allow primary caregivers to rest, attend to personal matters, or recover from caregiver fatigue, while ensuring the participant’s safety and well-being. Respite Care is authorized under Illinois Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.​​​​​

 
 

Residential Care

Residential Care Services in Illinois provide structured living environments and support to individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or aging-related needs who require assistance beyond what can be offered through personal care in their own homes. These services are primarily authorized under Illinois' Medicaid Waiver programs and aim to promote community living, independence, and quality of life while reducing reliance on institutional care.​​

 
 

Supported Employment

Supported Employment Services in Illinois assist individuals with disabilities or significant barriers to work by providing individualized job development, placement, and coaching services to help them succeed in competitive, integrated employment settings. These services are authorized under Illinois Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs and the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) employment initiatives.

 
 

Personal Attendant Services

Personal Attendant Services in Illinois provide one-on-one support to individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or age-related limitations to help them perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). These services are authorized under Illinois Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs and promote independent living in the participant’s home or community setting.

 
 

Adaptive Equipment

Adaptive Equipment Services in Illinois assist individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or age-related limitations by providing specialized equipment that supports mobility, communication, self-care, and participation in daily life activities. These services are authorized under Illinois Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs to improve quality of life and promote community living.

 
 

Nursing Facility Transition

Nursing Facility Services in Illinois offer 24-hour skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and personal care to individuals with significant medical, functional, or cognitive needs. These services are primarily authorized under Illinois’ Medicaid State Plan and Medicaid Waiver programs, ensuring individuals receive high-quality care in a licensed institutional setting while maximizing health outcomes and dignity.

 
 

Community Transition

Community Transition Services in Illinois assist individuals in moving from institutional settings (e.g., nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities) to homes or community-based living environments. These services are authorized under Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and specialized transition initiatives to promote independence, dignity, and improved quality of life.

 
 

Adult Health Services

Adult Day Health Services (ADHS) in Illinois provide structured daytime programs offering health monitoring, therapeutic activities, personal care, and social engagement for adults with physical, cognitive, or medical needs. These services are authorized under Illinois Medicaid Waiver programs and the Community Care Program (CCP), helping participants remain in their homes and communities rather than entering institutional care.

 
 

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology (AT) Services in Illinois help individuals with disabilities or functional limitations access specialized devices and support systems that improve their ability to live independently, communicate, work, and participate fully in community life. These services are authorized under Illinois Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs and various rehabilitation initiatives.

 
 

Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health Services in Illinois provide assessment, diagnosis, counseling, therapy, and support services to individuals experiencing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or behavioral challenges. These services are authorized under the Illinois Medicaid State Plan and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs to promote recovery, independence, and full community participation.

 

 
 

Home Modification

Home Modification Services in Illinois support individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related limitations by making physical changes to their residences. These modifications promote safety, independence, and accessibility, helping individuals remain in their homes and avoid institutionalization. Home modifications are authorized under specific Illinois Medicaid Waiver programs.

 
 

Nursing Services

Nursing Services in Illinois provide skilled nursing care to individuals with complex medical needs who require assistance to manage chronic conditions, recover from illness or injury, and maintain their health while living in the community. These services are authorized under the Illinois Medicaid State Plan and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs to avoid unnecessary hospitalization and institutionalization.

 
 

Prevocational Services

Pre-Vocational Services in Illinois help individuals with disabilities or significant barriers to employment develop the skills, work habits, and experiences needed to transition into competitive or supported employment. These services are authorized under Illinois Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs, empowering participants to prepare for meaningful employment opportunities in the community.

 
 

Homemaker Services

Homemaker Services in Illinois help older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from illness or injury maintain a clean, safe, and healthy home environment. These services, authorized under Illinois Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs and the Community Care Program (CCP), aim to prevent unnecessary institutionalization by supporting participants in their homes.

 
 

Specialized Therapy

Specialized Therapies Services in Illinois provide habilitative, rehabilitative, and restorative therapy to individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, physical impairments, and chronic conditions. These services are authorized under Illinois Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs and the Medicaid State Plan to promote functional gains, health improvement, and greater community participation.

 
 

Case Management

Case Management Services in Illinois help individuals receiving Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports by providing comprehensive assessment, care planning, service coordination, and advocacy. These services ensure that participants access the resources they need to remain safe, healthy, and independent in their communities. Case Management is authorized under Illinois Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs and the Medicaid State Plan.

 
 

Transportation Services

Transportation Services in Illinois support individuals who require non-emergency, non-medical or medical transportation to access healthcare, employment, education, and community activities. These services are authorized under the Illinois Medicaid State Plan, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs, and specialized transportation initiatives, helping participants maintain independence and community integration.

 
 

Home Health Services

Home Health Services in Illinois provide medically necessary skilled nursing, therapeutic, and personal care services to individuals recovering from illness, managing chronic conditions, or requiring support to remain safely in their homes. These services are authorized under the Illinois Medicaid State Plan and Medicare programs, helping individuals avoid institutional care and maintain health and independence.

 
 

Meal & Nutrition Services

Meal and Nutrition Services in Illinois help individuals maintain health, manage chronic conditions, and promote independence by providing access to nutritionally balanced meals and dietary counseling. These services are authorized under Illinois Medicaid Waiver programs and other state-funded initiatives, supporting community living and preventing institutionalization.