Bill
HB 5574
The bill requires DHFS to create and distribute accessible, multilingual PACE outreach materials detailing eligibility, enrollment, benefits, and provider contacts.
HB 5574 (104th Illinois General Assembly) – DHFS-PACE-OUTREACH & EDUCATION
Summary
HB 5574 proposes adding a new Section 18 to the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Act to strengthen outreach and public education about the PACE program. The bill emphasizes creating and distributing accessible informational materials to inform eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers about PACE, its enrollment process, benefits, and available PACE providers in Illinois.
Purpose and intent
- Improve awareness and understanding of PACE among eligible seniors, their families, and caregivers.
- Ensure consistent, high-quality educational materials about PACE, including how to determine eligibility, how enrollment works, and the range of services provided.
- Facilitate access by providing clear contact information for all active PACE organizations in the state.
Key provisions
- New Section 18 (320 ILCS 40/18 new) titled Outreach and Public Education.
- (a) Department role: The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (DHFS), in consultation with the Department on Aging and contracted PACE organizations, must develop and maintain comprehensive educational and outreach materials about PACE.
- (b) Content requirements: Materials must be professional, easy-to-read, and visually engaging. They must cover:
1) The integrated, interdisciplinary model of care in PACE.
2) Eligibility requirements and the voluntary enrollment process.
3) Specific benefits, including medical, social, and long-term care services.
4) Contact information for all active PACE organizations in Illinois.
- (c) Accessibility formats: Materials must be available in printed and electronic formats and translated into the three most commonly spoken languages in Illinois other than English.
- (d) Distribution and availability: The Department must distribute materials to Area Agencies on Aging, local health departments, and hospitals within PACE-covered service areas. Each contracted PACE organization must maintain a supply for public distribution.
Affected entities
- State agencies: Department of Healthcare and Family Services (DHFS); Department on Aging.
- PACE organizations operating in Illinois.
- Local partners: Area Agencies on Aging, local health departments, hospitals, and other entities within PACE service areas.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- As introduced (February–April 2026 activity in the bill history), the measure moves through standard legislative steps:
- Referral to committees (Human Services, Rules), hearings, and potential passage.
- The action history shows a sequence of readings and committee activity, with a formal introduction and sponsor support.
- No specific implementation timeline or funding authorization is stated in the text provided; the bill outlines duties for DHFS and PACE organizations once enacted.
Sponsorship
- Co-sponsors: Rep. Yolonda Morris, Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar, Rep. Dave Koehler.
- Chief Senate Sponsor: Sen. David Koehler (as of the action history).
Potential impact
- Increased awareness of PACE among eligible seniors could lead to higher enrollment in PACE programs where appropriate.
- Standardized, multilingual outreach materials may improve understanding across diverse communities and reduce information barriers.
- Improved coordination between DHFS, the Department on Aging, and contracted PACE providers could streamline education efforts and referrals.
Note: This summary focuses on the bill’s stated provisions and potential effects based on the text provided. If enacted, the Department would finalize materials and distribution plans consistent with these requirements.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
