IN 12/04/2025 COMMUNICATION:
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- DRAFT IB Posted - HBS Rates Increase 2026
- FY25 State Plan Amendment Outstanding
- SNAP Eligibility December 2025
- CILA Estimated Rate Calculator is LIVE!
- IMPACT Provider Revalidation
- Required FY25 Waiver Wage Attestation
- Training Opportunities
- Other Resources
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES - DECEMBER 3, 2025
The Division of Developmental Disabilities stands with the global community in recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Here in Illinois, we are honored to support and stand alongside individuals with disabilities, their families, guardians, and dedicated providers who work every day to build more inclusive and empowered communities. This day reminds us of the importance of accessibility, respect, and opportunity for all people, in every corner of our state. We are thankful for your partnership and commitment to advancing supports for individuals throughout Illinois.
DRAFT INFORMATION BULLETIN POSTED - HBS RATES INCREASE 2026
This information was also shared on 12/01/2025.
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: HBS Rates Increase 2026
- This informational bulletin contains information regarding the increases in the Home-Based Support Services Program (HBS) monthly and annual maximum amounts that will be effective on January 1, 2026, pending Federal Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) approval.
- Please submit comments by email to DHS.DDDComments@illinois.gov (with the title of the IB in the subject line) by close of business December 15, 2025.
You can access Final Information bulletins here: DDD Final Information Bulletins
CMS APPROVAL REMAINS OUTSTANDING FOR THE FY25 STATE PLAN AMENDMENT INCLUDING ICF AID WAGES
Illinois continues to wait to hear from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the FY25 State Plan Amendment that includes wage increases for ICF-DD aids. Illinois is not the only state that is waiting for responses regarding state plan amendments. Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) submitted the FY25 state plan amendment in November 2024 that included the wage increase for ICF-DD Aids. CMS had a series of questions related to another part of the submission, which had to be addressed before the approval process could proceed. Those questions have been addressed and HFS is checking regularly with CMS. They will share any announcement as soon as they hear from CMS. Once approval has been communicated, ICF-DDs will be able to receive the wage increase back to January 1, 2025. We know this delay is very challenging to ICF-DD providers and the staff who work so hard to support people in ICF-DD facilities. HFS has already submitted the FY26 state plan amendment and is working with CMS for approval. The attestation of implementation of wages also is on hold until CMS approval.
SNAP ELIGIBILITY DECEMBER 2025
Full December SNAP benefits will be issued as normally scheduled.
SNAP information and food resources are available here: SNAP Federal Impact Center
CILA ESTIMATED RATE CALCULATOR IS LIVE!
This information was also shared on 12/01/2025.
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is pleased to announce the reactivation of the CILA Estimated Rate Calculator for Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) Program (Program 60D) 24 Hour CILA settings. Specifically, we wish to draw your attention to the availability of a CILA Estimated Rate Calculator now available on the Department of Human Services / Division of Developmental Disabilities' (DHS/DDD) web site. We want to lift up an extra special thank you to George Bengel for his efforts to craft this calculator and Mike Vespa and the CILA Rates Team for review, editing and testing the calculator.
Resources:
IMPACT PROVIDER REVALIDATION REMINDER
All Medicaid Providers must periodically revalidate their enrollment information in IMPACT. This requirement is given in Federal Regulation 42 CFR 455.414.
DDD IMPACT Provider revalidations are on-going. Providers will receive an automated email notification (to the primary email on file in IMPACT) when it is time for revalidation. 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 proactively check their revalidation window in preparation for their revalidation due date. Providers may e-mail DHS.DDDMedProv@illinois.gov following the completion of the revalidation process for modification approval.
Providers that fail to revalidate by their assigned due date will be terminated from the IMPACT system, causing suspension of payments for services.
Retroactive Medicaid payments are not being authorized by Healthcare Family Services (HFS) for provider's who fail to revalidate.
- Revalidation instructions can be found here: Provider Revalidation
- In 2025, HFS has held monthly town halls on this topic.
HFS is standing by to assist providers needing assistance with revalidating. Additional Resources:
REQUIRED FY25 WAIVER WAGE ATTESTATION
This information was also shared on 11/10/2025, 11/12/2025, 11/19/2025, and 11/26/2025.
Pursuant to Public Act 102-0944, the State requires providers licensed under the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act (Community-Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs)) to certify that all legislatively or administratively mandated wage increases have been and are being passed on to ICF Aides (aides) and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) as prescribed by the State.
In Spring 2024, the Illinois General Assembly passed, and Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Public Act 103-0588, requiring the following as it relates to the wage increases effective January 1, 2025, as approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):
For Waiver-funded providers including CILA (24 Hour, Host Family and Intermittent) and Enhanced Residential (37U):
- Wage increases of $1.00 per hour for DSPs, with at least $0.75 (75%) to be provided as a $0.75 per hour direct increase to all DSP wages, with the remaining $0.25 (25%) to be used flexibly for wage increases for DSPs and other frontline staff not covered by the federal Department of Labor (DOL) Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) mean hourly wage increases; and
- Wage increases for all non-executive direct care staff, excluding DSPs, to the DOL BLS mean hourly wage based on the same or similar occupation title.
Please note: For ICF/DDs and MC/DDs, a separate attestation will be sent once CMS has approved the increases.
In implementing this requirement, the State has created the following Wage Attestation Form: IDHS: Fiscal Year 2025 Waiver Wage Attestation Form (7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025)
- The form should be completed by an Authorized Agency Representative for your organization.
- The form should be completed one (1) time per organization, unless as provided below.
- If your organization provides Waiver-funded CILA services, please complete the Waiver Wage Attestation Form.
- Please complete the form 1 time for all CILA services you provide. Please check the appropriate boxes on the form that correspond to the services your organization provides.
All forms must be completed by Friday, December 12, 2025.
Should you have questions about the completion of the form, please reach out to the Division of Developmental Disabilities at DHS.DDDComments@illinois.gov.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:
- Disability Partners IDD System Redesign Coalition - "Dignity in Pay Feedback Session: Provider Feedback" is a free virtual discussion to aid implementation of Dignity in Pay Multi-Year Plan (DIP MYP). The primary topic of the discussion will be streamlining services and shared tools across DRS and DDD. The first session will be held December 09, 2025, starting at 10:00 am Central Time. The second session will be held December 10, 2025, starting at 2:30 pm Central Time. Providers can attend either session. Register at this link: Dignity In Pay Feedback Session: PROVIDER FEEDBACK
- DDD - "Meaningful Choice" will be hosted virtually December 10, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon Central Time. This training is hosted quarterly for QIDP/ISC/Leadership. Register here: Meaningful Choice - WebEx
OTHER RESOURCES:
- BTS - "Worth our While (WOW) Meetings" are virtually hosted weekly meetings for self-advocates. Discussion hosted by Chuy and Tavarus. No registration required. Use this zoom link every Friday at 10:00 am Central Time to join: WOW Friday Zoom Link (Meeting ID: 708 698 1579).
- The Arc of IL - "IDD System Redesign Coalition Listening Session" is TWO free in-person discussions hosted December 08, 2025, starting at either 3:00 pm or 6:30 pm Central Time in the Bloomington Public Library (Community Room 2, 205 E. Olive St. Bloomington, IL. Learn more (and find the link to RSVP) here: December 08 - Listening Sessions Flyer
- HealthMatters Program - Live "Informational Session" will be presented virtually on December 9, 2025, starting at 1:00 pm Central Time. Learn more about Health Matters Program here: HealthMatters Program Info. Register for the info session here: HealthMatters Program Informational Session - Zoom
- IL ABLE - "Get Ready to Open an IL ABLE Account" is a free virtual webinar for people with disabilities, their families, and their supporters. This presentation will start at 12:00 noon Central Time on December 9, 2025. Register here: IL ABLE - WebEx Registration
- ILS & F2F - "CARE Team, City of Evanston" is a free virtual webinar featuring presenter Jeron Dorsey. The session will be presented on December 9, 2025, starting at 12:00 pm Central Time. Learn more and register here: CARE Registration
- SIU Medicine - IDD Grand Round "Immunizations with Adults with DD" is a free virtual webinar that will be presented via WebEx by Dr. Vidya Sundareshan on December 10, 2025, starting at 12:00 pm Central Time. Learn more and register here: SIU Med - WebEx Event Info
- 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 December 10, 2025, at 5:00 pm Central Time. Learn more and register for an Employment Services Informational Session here: Employment Services - Little Friends, Inc.
- TAP, IDHD, & LEND - "From School to Adulthood: Collaborative Strategies for Successful Transitions" is a free virtual webinar preparing students with disabilities for life after high school requires thoughtful, collaborative transition planning. The presentation will take place December 11, 2025, starting at 11:00 am Central Time. Learn more and register here: Successful Transitions Registration - Zoom
- UIC & RCADD - "It's Go Time: Toilet Training for Children with Autism and Developmental Delays" is a free virtual presentation offered on December 11, 2025, starting at 12:00 pm Central Time. Learn more and register here: RCADD Zoom
- The Arc of IL - Family Advocate Program: Know Your Options. This event is offered virtually twice a month in English and once in Spanish. Learn more and register here: KYO English // KYO Spanish
- Epilepsy Foundation (Southern IL) - "Winter Weather Safety" is a free event and open to individuals with epilepsy and their families living in Southern Illinois (the lower 34 counties). This in person event will take place December 16, 2025, at the EFGSI Event Hall in Belleville, starting at 11:00 am Central Time. Please register before December 10, 2025, by emailing Janee Baldwin or calling 618-236-2181 ext 116. Learn more about Epilepsy Foundation events here: Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois
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.
Return to DDD Communication
Return to DDD Home Page
