State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
Illinois
Program Overview
Overview
Illinois has a Home Services Program and multiple HCBS waiver pathways. For children with developmental disabilities, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) administers relevant programs.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Illinois does not have a Katie Beckett or TEFRA pathway. Children access services through specific categorical Medicaid programs and waivers, most notably the MFTD Waiver for medically complex children.
Child-relevant waivers
Key child-relevant waivers include the Medically Fragile Technology Dependent (MFTD) Waiver and the Home and Community Based Support Services (HCBSS) Waiver through DDD. For adults with physical disabilities, Illinois has the Home Services Program (HSP) administered through the Division of Rehabilitation Services. HSP is one of the largest personal attendant care programs in the country and allows eligible adults to hire their own attendants — including family members in some cases — to assist with daily living activities.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
MFTD Waiver serves children birth to 21 who are medically fragile or technology-dependent and require nursing-facility level of care.
Financial and income rules
MFTD Waiver uses the child's own financial information rather than the family's income.
Level of care
Nursing-facility level of care is required for MFTD.
Age rules
MFTD serves children birth to 21. DDD waivers serve individuals of varying ages.
Getting Started
How to apply
MFTD applications go through Illinois Medicaid. DDD waiver intake goes through the local DD office.
Documents needed
Medical records, technology dependency documentation, physician statements, and Medicaid financial information are needed.
Waitlist information
DDD waivers in Illinois have historically had significant waiting lists. MFTD may also have limited enrollment.
Practical next step
Contact Illinois Medicaid and ask about the MFTD Waiver for medically fragile children, or contact the local DDD office for developmental disability waiver intake. For non-Medicaid supports, contact Illinois VR or Equip for Equality.
Services & Support
Services available
MFTD can cover private duty nursing, personal care, home health aide, therapy, and medical equipment. DDD waivers cover habilitation, supported employment, and community supports.
Parent caregiver pay
Illinois permanently allows parents and guardians who are RNs or LPNs to be paid to provide private duty nursing for their own children, minors or adults. The DRS (Persons with Disabilities), Brain Injury, and HIV/AIDS waivers now allow parents of minors to be paid for personal care. A parent CNA program for families receiving home nursing through the MFTD Waiver or DSCC Home Care is anticipated to begin in 2026, and 2025 legislation created a Family Health Aide program still in development.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP — iltech.org) — free device demonstrations, short-term loans, reuse programs, and AT funding guidance. Available statewide.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Illinois Medicaid covers mental health services through managed care organizations and the fee-for-service program. Covered services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis services, assertive community treatment (ACT), and intensive outpatient programs. The Division of Mental Health (DMH) within IDHS oversees community mental health services. Illinois has a strong community mental health center network. Children can access mental health services through EPSDT, and school-based mental health services are available in many districts.
Additional notes
The MFTD Waiver is one of the more comprehensive child-focused programs in the country for medically complex children. Families of technology-dependent or medically fragile children should ask about it specifically.
State-Specific Resources
Illinois Vocational Rehabilitation Program — Employment Services
Illinois VR (dhs.state.il.us) provides vocational counseling, job training, assistive technology, supported employment, and job placement services for people with disabilities. Services are free and available statewide. VR also serves transition-age youth (ages 14+) and has developed partnerships with employers and training providers.
Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) — Device Loans & Demonstrations
IATP (iltech.org) provides free assistive technology services including device demonstrations, short-term equipment loans for trial, device reuse programs, and information on AT funding sources. The Education Liaison works with families and schools on educational AT issues. Available statewide.
Illinois Early Intervention Program (Birth to Age 3)
Illinois's Early Intervention program serves families with children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Services are provided in homes and communities and are family-focused. About 18,000 families are enrolled. Referrals can be made by anyone.
Equip for Equality — Legal Advocacy & P&A
Equip for Equality (equipforequality.org) is Illinois's Protection and Advocacy agency, providing free legal services, advocacy, and information on disability rights, education rights, employment issues, Medicaid access, and abuse/neglect across Illinois.
The Arc of Illinois — Family & Community Advocacy
The Arc of Illinois (thearcofil.org) advocates, informs, supports, trains, and connects people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and allies. Services include advocacy training, information resources, and community connections.
Illinois — No State Paid Family Leave
Illinois does not currently have a state-mandated paid family leave or temporary disability insurance program. Workers must rely on federal FMLA (unpaid) or employer-provided benefits. Some employers may offer voluntary Short-Term Disability insurance.
Recent news for Illinois
Chicago Tribune · October 20, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers, Rights & Law
Advocates support the planned closure of state-operated developmental disability units in favor of community-based living options to increase independence for disabled individuals.
Jacksonville Journal-Courier on MSN · October 18, 2026 · Education
Schools in Jacksonville are facing a shortage of special education teachers, resulting in the increased use of long-term substitutes to fill roles.
note · October 12, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers, Education
A new comparative guide helps families navigate ward-level differences in local support programs, accessibility, and services for children with disabilities.
Chicago Sun-Times · October 11, 2026 · Rights & Law
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is beginning a renovation project that will include the creation of a new, ADA-accessible entrance to the facility.
Chicago Sun-Times · October 10, 2026 · Housing & Employment, Funding & Budget
Community organizations in Chicago are demanding transparency and immediate action regarding delayed home repair funds meant for older adults and residents.
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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