DDD Communication | November 06, 2025

IN 11/06/2025 COMMUNICATION:

  • Native American History Month - November 2025
  • Get Covered Illinois: Live November 2025
  • De-Escalation Training Requirements
  • Reminder: Draft IB Available for Public Comment
  • November SNAP Benefits
  • Reminder: IMPACT Provider Revalidation
  • Training Opportunities (includes DDD/DRS Annual Training Info!)
  • Other Resources

NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH - NOVEMBER 2025

At the Division of Developmental Disabilities, we take this time to honor the cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities across Illinois and the nation.

We are grateful for the Native individuals, families, and partners who are part of our disability community. Your presence, experiences, and perspectives enrich our shared work and remind us of the strength found in diversity.

GET COVERED ILLINOIS: LIVE NOVEMBER 2025

Illinois will utilize Get Covered Illinois, the state's official health insurance marketplace, instead of the Federal Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) to process applications for Affordable Care Act Marketplace (ACA) plans. Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2026 is November 1, 2025 - January 15, 2026.

The website GetCoveredIllinois.gov is where customers can shop for a health plan that fits their needs. Individuals who do not get coverage through a job or public programs and receive financial help (i.e., premium tax credits and cost sharing reductions) to cover the costs of coverage are the intended applicants for this coverage.

For questions about Get Covered Illinois, or anything related to Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans, customers should be referred to the Get Covered Illinois Customer Assistance Center ((866) 311- 1119 / TTY - 711).

If someone needs assistance understanding their health coverage options through the Get Covered Illinois marketplace, they can also contact a navigator or broker. They provide free, unbiased services year-round. The Get Covered Illinois navigator and broker directory, where customers can search for a navigator and broker near them, is available here: GetCoveredIllinois.gov/localhelp

The full descriptive notice from HFS is shared here: HFS Public Notice: Get Covered Illinois

DE-ESCALATION TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

All providers are able to seek reimbursement for de-escalation training. Please follow the instructions included in this information bulletin: De-Escalation Training Reimbursement

DDD's goal is to have every qualified agency to sign up for reimbursement. Please reach out to DHS.ClinicalServices@illinois.gov to seek prior approval

Current de-scalation training requirements and reimbursements are as follows:

  • Train the trainer class with a reimbursement of $2,200 per trainer
  • Renewing the trainer with a reimbursement of $800 per trainer
  • 8 hours of training for frontline staff with a reimbursement of $275 per staff
  • 5 hours of continuing education for renewing/retraining of frontline staff with a reimbursement of $175 per staff

Training Reimbursement forms:

^^The above forms may need to be downloaded to your computer and then opened with a PDF reader such as Adobe.

To download: click the floppy disc and choose where the document will be saved on your computer. Navigate to the location of the saved document and open with the PDF reader. If the document continues to open in your internet browser, you will need to right click on the document and force open in your PDF reader.

REMINDER: DRAFT IB FOR AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

When policy is being written, prior to being published, the Draft Information Bulletin (Draft IB) is shared for public comments and feedback. Review the current Draft IBs by visiting DDD Draft Information Bulletins and submit comments on open drafts to DHS.DDDComments@Illinois.gov.

Current Draft IB: Competency-Based Training and Assessment for Medication Administration

  • Competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) is the process by which a provider's nurse-trainer trains and assesses the authorized direct support professional's ability safely and effectively administer medication to individuals who benefit from that support. Updated guidelines have been posted as a draft.
  • Please submit comments by email to DHS.DDDComments@Illinois.gov by close of business November 13, 2025.

You can access Final Information bulletins here: DDD Final Information Bulletins

NOVEMBER SNAP BENEFITS

This month, the Trump Administration has decided to provide significantly reduced November benefits. SNAP customers will, at most, receive 50% of their normal benefit. Some will receive less than 50%, and some will receive nothing. Benefits left on cards from previous months can still be used. It will be several days, if not a week or more, before any reduced federal payments will be available on Link cards under the federal plan.

IDHS will keep customers updated on this evolving situation. SNAP information and food resources are available here: SNAP Federal Impact Center

Please review the recent DDD Communication regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Payments (SNAP) from November 04, 2025: DDD Communication | November 04, 2025. IDHS will keep customers updated on this evolving situation. SNAP information and food resources are available here: SNAP Federal Impact Center.

REMINDER: IMPACT PROVIDER REVALIDATION

In accordance with Federal Regulation 42 CFR 455.414, all Medicaid providers are required to periodically revalidate their enrollment information.

DDD IMPACT Provider revalidations are on-going and expected to continue for the majority of providers through December 2025. Providers requiring revalidation will receive automated e-mail notifications to the e-mail on file in IMPACT prior to the assigned due date. It is the provider's responsibility to maintain up-to date contact information within the IMPACT system in order to receive these e-mails.

DDD Providers are encouraged to check their revalidation window and take proactive measures to ensure that revalidations are submitted prior to the assigned due date. Providers should e-mail DHS.DDDMedProv@illinois.gov following the completion of the revalidation process for expedited modification approval.

Failing to revalidate by the assigned date will result in termination from the IMPACT system causing suspension of payments for the provider. Retroactive Medicaid payments are not being authorized by Healthcare Family Services (HFS) for providers who fail to revalidate.

Resources:

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

  • DDD - "Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) Training" will be hosted virtually November 12, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Central Time. Registration is not required. Log into the webinar on the meeting date here: HRST - WebEx Link
  • Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC) is pleased to offer a comprehensive, self-paced online respite training program. This no-cost training is designed to support individuals who provide temporary relief to primary caregivers of individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or other special needs. It is ideal for both new and experienced respite providers-including family members, volunteers, and direct support professionals. Learn more here: IRC Respite Training Program
  • ADvancing States, NASDDDS and NAMD - "The Basics of Dual Eligibility" is a free webinar in a 3-part series focused on better serving dually-eligible individuals (eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid) in all programs. This session will be presented at 2:00 pm Central Time on November 12, 2025. Register here: Dual Eligibility Zoom
  • DDD - "Background Checks" will be hosted virtually November 12, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Central Time. This training is hosted quarterly for QIDP/ISC/Leadership. Register here: Background Checks - WebEx
  • University of IL Extension - "Taking Care of Diabetes Together" is a free 3-part webinar series that is tailored for professionals who support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All sessions are presented virtually from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Central Time. Final session is Monitoring and Motivation presented by Rachel Mannen and Virginia Kerwin on November 13, 2025. Learn more and register here: Monitoring and Motivation Registration

DDD DRS ANNUAL TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT

The Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) collaborate to provide high-quality employment services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A key aspect of this partnership is the DDD DRS Memorandum of Understanding and joint training efforts.

DDD and DRS invite personnel from both divisions, Independent Service Coordination agencies, provider agencies, current or prospective service recipients, families, and other stakeholders to a presentation aimed at enhancing their understanding, and effective use, of employment supports.

  • Date: Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
  • Time: 1:00pm-3:30pm
  • DDD / DRS WebEx Webinar Training Link (pre-registration is not required)
  • Webinar number (access code): 2867 236 4590
  • Webinar password: yFmFGUdm923 (93634836 if dialing from a phone / video system)

OTHER RESOURCES

  • BTS - "The WOW Meeting REBOOT!" is a weekly recurring meeting for self-advocates that will be virtually hosted by Chuy and Tavarus. This will take place Fridays from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Central Time until further notice. Registration is not required.
  • SIU Medicine - IDD Grand Round "Oral health for IDD Individuals" is a free virtual webinar that will be presented via WebEx by Dr. Abigail Stern on November 12, 2025 starting at 12:00 pm Central Time. Learn more and register here: SIU Med - WebEx Event Info
  • ICDD - The IL Council on Developmental Disabilities has their next meeting November 13, 2025. Meetings are open to the public, and registration is required. Please read more here: ICDD Event Information
  • TCARE and IntellectAbility - This free virtual session on November 12, 2025, at 11:00am Central Time will explore practical, person-centered approaches to enhance quality of life, promote independence, and support meaningful daily experiences. Learn more and register here: TCARE Registration
  • Little Friends, Inc - "Employment Services Informational Session" offered at Warrenville Campus to learn about the Connecting Adults with Communities program. The next info session is November 12, 2025, at 5:00 pm Central Time. Learn more and register for an Employment Services Informational Session here: Employment Services - Little Friends, Inc.
  • The Arc of IL - "Family Advocate Program: Know Your Options" is offered virtually twice a month in English and once in Spanish. Learn more and register here: KYO English // KYO Spanish
  • Connect to Community - Friday Forum: "IEP Goals and Objectives." Part 3 of 3 in the free, virtual Fall Series that aims to empower IEP team members. Session presented at 12:00 noon Central Time on November 14, 2025. Learn more and register here: The Transition Plan - RSVP Link
  • Epilepsy Foundation (Southern IL) - "Optometry and Epilepsy" is part of the monthly Educational Support Group. The event is free of charge and open to individuals with epilepsy and their families living in Southern Illinois (the lower 34 counties). This in person event will take place November 18,2025, at the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern IL Event Hall in Belleville, starting at 11:00 am Central Time. Please register before November 12, 2025, by emailing Janee Baldwin or calling 618-236-2181 ext 116. Learn more about Epilepsy Foundation of Southern IL Events on their website.
  • ICPN - "Safety Care for Families" is a free in-person training event that will be held at multiple sites on different days. Training sessions will begin at 9:00 am Central Time with a light lunch provided. Training is designed to help family members understand and respond to challenging behaviors in a safe, compassionate, and effective way. Register using the links below.
  • ICPN - "Motivational Interviewing" is a free in-person training event at Choate Developmental Center (Anna, IL) on November 14, 2025. Training session will run from 9:00 am to 11:00 am Central Time. Training will take a look inside the history of Motivational Interviewing in understanding its origins, the basic structure, and how to utilize it with people.

The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel. To request to be added to our email database, or to update your contact and service information, please complete our Contact Survey. Information provided will help us to better tailor communications to you in the future.

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