Laura Fine

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to study the impact to the State and recipients of entering into a Medicare Part A Buy-In Agreement for qualified Medicare beneficiaries with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Provides that no later than January 1, 2026, the Department shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly about executing a Medicare Part A Buy-In Agreement. Requires the report to reflect that it is the policy of the State of Illinois to reduce administrative burden to applicants and recipients in programs under the Code, and to promote the health, well-being, and economic security of low-income older adults and people with disabilities in its medical programs. Requires the Department to consult with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and relevant State agencies, including the Department on Aging, and conduct stakeholder engagement. Provides that the report shall outline the methodology used by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and shall include relevant findings, including potential cost savings to recipients and reductions in administrative burden, and a synopsis of discussions with interested stakeholders. Provides that the report shall contain recommendations for further action to facilitate accountability and to achieve the policy objectives outlined in the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.