Ready, Set, Bowl! Register today for Wii Bowling & Trivia!

Policy Update

Important Reminder: ARPA expenditure deadline is June 30, 2024!

Reminder, unless your SLP community requested an extension, the expenditure deadline for ARPA funds is June 30.  Funds distributed under the program are only allowed to be used on eligible expenses incurred between 04/01/2021 and 06/30/2024. If funds are not spent by 06/30/2024, HFS may consider extension requests on a case-by-case basis. SLP providers have until 06/30/2024 to spend the funding. HFS would prefer not to recover distributed ARPA fund. 

If a SLP provider is having problems expending funds, please email HFS.SLF@Illinois.gov at least 45 days in advance of 06/30/2024. However, AALC encourages you to email HFS now if you have not already done so!

To review the HFS FAQs, click here.



State Implementation of ARPA HCBS Spending Plans: Lessons Learned

ADvancing States and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) home and community-based services (HCBS) Technical Assistance Collective (TA Collective) released a report sharing findings about states’ experience in implementing their ARPA HCBS initiatives. While the ARPA infusion of federal dollars into HCBS provided an historic opportunity to try bold, new approaches to supporting people in their homes and communities, states were challenged to make systemic improvements given the time-limited nature of the federal funds.

The report also suggests ways to make any future time-limited investments in the HCBS system more effective, including giving states more time to implement, easing the CMS approval process and providing resources to both states and CMS. Moreover, any future investments should be accompanied by a federal evaluation to glean insights into successful interventions that could be replicated across the country.

Click here to read the report.

SLP April Rates

The increase in Supportive Living rates this quarter is due to about 3% increase in NH acuity. April rates are based on assessments from 10-1-2023 through 12-31-2023 so you are likely seeing a seasonal acuity increase that will stabilize or drop in the next 2 quarters.



Rate Comparison - NH & SL

Rate Map

Rate History

AALC PAC

Help protect Supportive Living in Illinois!

Donate to AALC's PAC! Learn more here!

Our Annual AALC PAC campaign has been extremely successful.  We are close to reaching our goal of raising $292,000 in voluntary contributions this May! We asked SLP communities of 100 units or less to give $3,500 and those with more than 100 to give $5,000.  It has been inspiring to see many SLP communities step up and give more than the requested amount.  Thank you to everyone who has participated!

If you have not already done so, it is not too late to send your contribution today!  Every dollar counts.  We are only a few thousand dollars away from our goal and your contribution could make the difference! Send your check to: AALC PAC PO BOX 1245, Springfield, IL 62705

Legislative Update

Legislative Update

The AALC Lobbying team was extremely successful this Session, effectively securing wins on each of our legislative priorities, in a very difficult climate. As a reminder, this Spring Session the AALC focused on:

• Codifying the $6.15 to offset the loss of SNAP
• Increasing SLP PNA to $120 and adjusting the link upward to 54.75%; and
• Expanding the list of counties included in the 12-mile geographic limitation to reflect 2020 Census data/IL MSA​.

View AALC’s 2024 Legislative Priorities for 2024 here. 

One of the more challenging end-of-session subject matters for legislators to tackle this year was the Medicaid omnibus bill. With more than $500 million in new spending requests presented to the legislative Medicaid Work Group, the final bill contained roughly $120 million in new or expanded services and programs.  All three AALC initiatives were included in the Medicaid omnibus bill. There will also be an industry-wide increase because of a skilled nursing increase and our link to the nursing home rate.

Medication Aides

Legislation enabling certified medication aides to work in Supportive Living Program communities passed unanimously.  Certified medication aides will be limited in the types of medications they can administer (primarily oral medications) and must work under the supervision of an RN who is physically present or onsite.  IDPH will be adopting Rules to implement this new program. 

We want to thank the AALC Lobbying Team for a truly impressive year and our successes are a true testament to the value of our industry and the relationships with our legislative champions in the Illinois General Assembly.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 General Election now takes center stage as lawmakers return home and face election. While Democrats are expected to retain their super-majorities in both chambers on November 5th, a volatile Presidential election; the high rate of inflation; a potentially tense Democratic National Convention in Chicago; growing tensions of foreign conflicts; and the politics surrounding abortion rights and undocumented individuals will help to shape who emerges victorious in November.

In addition to the full House and partial Senate being up for election, there will be 3 advisory questions on the ballot this Fall meant to drive Democratic voters to the polls.   

• “Should any candidate appearing on the Illinois ballot for federal, state, or local office be subject to civil penalties if the candidate interferes or attempts to interfere with an election worker’s official duties?”
• “Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1,000,000 for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief?”
• “Should all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatments, including, but not limited to, in vitro fertilization, be covered by any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides coverage for pregnancy benefits, without limitation on the number of treatments?”

2024 AALC Annual Meeting - Save the Date!

Tuesday, Oct 29 - Wednesday, Oct. 30

Springfield, IL

AALC will hold its 2024 Annual Meeting in Springfield on October 29-30. We hope to see you there! Details coming soon to announce a great line up of speakers and events!

Continuing Education - Help Us Plan for 2024 & Beyond!

As we begin planning our future CE courses, we want to make sure that our program is tailored to meet your needs. Your feedback is crucial in helping us plan for the future and ensure that our program is relevant and beneficial to you. So, please take a moment to share your thoughts with us. We're eager to hear from you and we'll do our best to incorporate your suggestions into our program. Thank you for your time and input! Click here to comment.

SL 2024 Community Spotlight: The Manor at Mason Woods

MEMBERS! If you know of a vendor who might be interested in joining AALC, share their information with us at info@aalcillinois.org and we will reach out to them. Are you a vendor member and interested in bringing content to our Supportive Living communities? Let us know and we will feature you in an upcoming newsletter.