305 ILCS 5/11-5.6

(305 ILCS 5/11-5.6) Sec. 11-5.6. Medicare Part A Buy-In Agreement Report. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall 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. The Department shall prepare a report about executing a Medicare Part A Buy-In Agreement. The report shall reflect that it is the policy of the State of Illinois to reduce administrative burden to applicants and recipients in programs under this Code, and to promote the health, well-being, and economic security of low-income older adults and people with disabilities in its medical programs. As part of studying the impact, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall consult with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and relevant State agencies, including the Department on Aging, and conduct stakeholder engagement. 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. The report shall contain recommendations for further action to facilitate accountability and to achieve the policy objectives outlined in this Section. The report shall be completed and posted on the Department's website by no later July 1, 2026 and a copy of the report shall be sent to the Secretary of Human Services and other relevant stakeholders. For the purposes of this Section, "Medicare Part A Buy-In Agreement" means an agreement authorized by Section 1395v of Title 42 of the United States Code under which the State shall pay Medicare Part A premiums for qualified individuals who are enrolled in both the Medicare Program and the State Medicaid program.

(Source: P.A. 104-286, eff. 8-15-25.)