The proposed change would allow legally responsible adults to provide certified nursing assistance services to participants under age 21

Families have an opportunity to share feedback on a proposed new service available through the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Those Who Are Medically Fragile and Technology Dependent (MFTD waiver).

The public comment period is open until Oct. 11.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) operates the MFTD waiver. Many families in the Home Care Program have children who receive services through the MFTD waiver.

HFS has announced a proposed new waiver service called “Legally Responsible Adult as a Certified Nursing Assistant.” This service will allow legally responsible adults to provide certified nursing assistant services to MFTD waiver participants under age 21.

It will take effect Jan. 1, 2027, or upon approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

review the full waiver amendment

To review the full waiver amendment, you can:

• Read the public comment notice on HFS’ website.
• You can call (217) 524-4148 to request a copy.
• Copies are also available at the following locations:
  • Healthcare and Family Services
    201 South Grand Avenue East
    Springfield, IL 62763
  • Healthcare and Family Services
    401 S. Clinton
    Chicago, IL 60607

How to submit public comments

HFS now invites families and the public to comment on these proposed amendments through Oct. 11.

You can submit feedback in two ways:

• Email HFS.HCBSWaiver@illinois.gov
• Mail written input to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Attention: Waiver Operations Management, 201 South Grand Avenue East, 2FL, Springfield, IL 62763

HFS and the Division of Specialized Care for Children will review the comments and respond to them.

We will then submit comments to CMS as part of the amendment approval process.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety recall for certain Resmed Astral 100 and 150 ventilators.

Attention Home Care Program families! We have an important announcement about a safety recall that may affect your child’s medical equipment.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety recall for certain Resmed Astral 100 and 150 ventilators.

What is the issue?

A manufacturing mistake can cause some machines to stop working. If this happens, the ventilator will sound a loud, high-priority alarm and turn off.

Is my machine affected?

• Current failure rate is low: Fewer than 1% of these ventilators have actually failed so far.
  
• More machines could be affected later: The manufacturing issue develops over time, so a machine that works fine today could still fail in the future.

What should I do now?

• Keep using your ventilator. Do not stop using the machine because of this notice.
• Always keep your backup equipment close, because a failure can happen suddenly. Have your backup ventilator or Ambu bag ready and nearby.
• Check in with your medical equipment supplier:
  
  • If they have already contacted you: Continue following their directions.
  • If you have not heard from them: Call them as soon as you can.
    • Have the serial number on your ventilator ready so they can check if your specific machine is part of the recall.

If you have more questions, please contact your medical equipment supplier directly.

Visit the FDA website for more details about the ResMed Astral ventilator recall.

We invite all Illinois families of children with special healthcare needs to share their feedback and experiences at this virtual forum.

Join us for an opportunity to connect with other families and share your feedback on topics that matter to you. 

Our next Family Advisory Council (FAC) open forum is on May 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. 

Members will discuss how they can partner with the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) to share their families’ stories, successes and helpful tips and resources they’ve learned along the way. 

The FAC will also open the floor to hear your ideas as they discuss DSCC’s messaging to families, digital communication channels and more.  

This free virtual meeting is for all Illinois families of children with special healthcare needs. You do not have to be a Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participant to attend. 

You can sign up on Zoom to join the meeting. Please note that live Spanish translation will be available.

The FAC guides our efforts to strengthen teamwork, improve communication and empower families to have a voice in their children’s care. The council also connects families to resources and other families who are on a similar journey. 

You can find the minutes from past meetings and more details on our website’s Family Advisory Council page. You can also learn more about some of our FAC members on our Meet Our Family Advisory Council Members page.

If you have questions or would like more details on how to participate in the FAC, please email dsccfac@uic.edu.

We hope to see you on May 7!

The public comment period is open until April 22

Families have an opportunity to share feedback on proposed improvements to the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Those Who Are Medically Fragile and Technology Dependent (MFTD waiver). The public comment period is open until April 22.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) operates the MFTD waiver. Many families in the Home Care Program have children who receive services through the MFTD waiver.

HFS has announced several amendments to improve how the state delivers, explains and organizes services for individuals receiving MFTD waiver support. The proposed changes aim to make MFTD waiver services clearer, more efficient and easier to access.

The proposed changes include:

NEw Service Added

• Allows occupational or physical therapists to assess a person’s home. This change helps HFS determine what equipment or home changes an individual needs for safety and independence.

Equipment and Technology Updates

• Separates evaluations from equipment services (so HFS bills and and handles them separately)
• Expands the list of covered items, including:
  • Mobility aids (such as lifts and standers)
  • Adaptive items (such as utensils, bikes and seating)
  • Sensory and safety items (such as mats and trampolines)

Home and Environment Changes

• Confirms that Environmental Accessibility Adaptations is no longer a single service
• Breaks it into separate services:
  • Pest control
  • Home modifications
  • Vehicle modifications
• Clarifies that home modifications can apply to more than one home (such as shared custody situations)

Service Improvements and Clarifications

• Adds more detail and clearer rules for:
  • Home modifications (such as lifts, ramps and generators)
  • Pest control (including traps)
• Allows the state to recover certain costs if a person passes away or cannot move home after services are planned

RemoveD Services

• Removes services that the waiver already covers elsewhere to prevent duplication:
  • Placement maintenance counseling
  • Specialized medical equipment

Provider and Service Rules

• Requires providers to be in good standing
• Clarifies when family members can be paid for respite care (only if they don’t live with the individual)

Quality and Oversight Updates

• Improves how HFS monitors and reviews the program
  • Updates performance measures and tracking methods
  • Clarifies who collects and reviews data
  • Adds grievance procedures for participants

Rates and Administrative Updates

• Sets a standard rate for the new therapist assessment service
• Updates cost estimates and system changes to support the amendment

review the full waiver amendments

To review the full waiver amendments, you can:

• Read the public comment notice on HFS’ website
• Review hard copies of the notice at the Department of Human Services (DHS) local offices (except in Cook County).
  • In Cook County, you may review the notice at the Office of the Director, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, 401 S. Clinton St., First Floor, in Chicago.

How to Get a Copy of the Proposed Waiver AMENDMENTs

• You can download and print a hard copy of the proposed waiver amendments from the HFS website at https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/hcbs.html.
• You can call (217) 524-4148 to request a copy.
• Copies are also available at the following locations:
  • Healthcare and Family Services
    201 South Grand Avenue East
    Springfield, IL 62763
  • Healthcare and Family Services
    401 South Clinton
    Chicago, IL 60607

How to submit public comments

HFS now invites families and the public to comment on these proposed amendments through April 22.

You can submit feedback in two ways:

• Email HFS.HCBSWaiver@illinois.gov
• Mail written input to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Attention: Waiver Operations Management, 201 South Grand Avenue E., 2FL, Springfield, IL 62763

HFS and the Division of Specialized Care for Children will review the comments and respond to them.

We will then submit comments to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as part of the amendment approval process.

Our NurseNet and Provider Portal sites will be briefly unavailable starting at 8 p.m. on March 14

The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) will perform scheduled maintenance on our claims processing system and applications from 8 to 9 p.m. this Saturday, March 14.

During this time, our Provider Portal and NurseNet site will be temporarily unavailable.

If you have any questions or concerns about the downtime, please email dsccexternalhelp@uic.edu. 

We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership!  

DSCC participant families, please be on the lookout for our annual family survey on Feb. 10.

Participant families, we want to hear from you!

Our annual family survey is coming soon, and your feedback helps us better support children, youth and families like yours. You’ll also have the chance to win a gift card. 

All Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participants will receive the survey starting Feb. 10. You’ll receive the survey by email or mail, based on your preferences.

Quick, Easy and a Chance to Win

• The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete. 
• Filling it out is optional and will not affect your services. 
• If you respond, you could win one of five $50 Amazon gift cards.*

The survey asks about your experiences with DSCC, including how well our team supports your family and meets your needs.

How Your Feedback Makes a Difference

Your voice leads to real change. This short video shares what families told us during last year’s survey and how we’re using that input to make improvements:

Based on family feedback from last year’s survey:

• We are developing a customer service training for DSCC teams to strengthen our partnership with families. The training will focus on:
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Sensitivity to the needs of children and youth with special healthcare needs
  • Response times
    
• We are also expanding our education and resource efforts to help families feel more informed, connected and supported through proactive care coordination.

You can learn more about how we use family feedback on our Family Surveys page.

Please be on the lookout for our annual survey on Feb. 10.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact your Care Coordinator.

We appreciate your partnership and look forward to hearing from you!

*Please note: Foreign national nonresident aliens are not eligible for the gift card participation prize.

We’ve developed resources to help you support your mental health, reduce stress and connect with others who understand.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible dedication of families caring for children and youth with special healthcare needs.

At the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC), we know that caregiving can be both a rewarding and challenging journey.

As you care for others, it’s just as important to take care of your own mental health.

Find Support in Our Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit

Our Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit can help you find the support and strategies you need to recharge and stay well.

This online resource offers practical tips, self-care strategies and mental health resources to help you navigate the unique demands of caregiving while prioritizing your own health and well-being.

The Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit includes:

• Stress management strategies and techniques to help you cope with tough times.
• Self-care tips and practical ways to nurture your own physical, emotional and mental health.
• Mental health support resources to connect you with professional help and support networks when needed.
• Apps, online tools, videos and podcasts you can access anytime.

Explore the Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit

We created this toolkit with input from our Family Advisory Council, which shared the importance of mental health support for caregivers like you.

Whether you’re a parent caring for a child, a family member supporting a loved one or anyone in a caregiving role, we encourage you to explore this free resource.

Connect With a Fellow Caregiver for Support

One of the most powerful supports you can have is a connection with another parent who truly understands.

We have a Home Care Family Outreach Associate on our team who understands the unique challenges of caring for a loved one with complex medical conditions firsthand.

Our Home Care Family Outreach Associate works to create a community for caregivers within DSCC and offer heartfelt support, connection and empowerment.

You can ask your DSCC care coordination team to refer you to the HCFOA. You can also email a request to speak with the HCFOA at DSCC-FamilySupport@uic.edu.

Learn more about Erica Stearns, our current HCFOA, on our Home Care Family Outreach page and in the short video below:

Meet our Home Care Family Outreach Associate

Take a Break with Caregiver Coloring Sheets

We’ve also designed four coloring pages to help caregivers relax and take time to relieve stress and practice mindfulness.

There are four designs available in both English and Spanish:

• Lighthouse (Lighthouse in Spanish)
• Sunflowers (Sunflowers in Spanish)
• Hot air balloons (Hot air balloons in Spanish)
• Gears and clock (Gears and clock in Spanish)

These printable pages are a simple way to pause, relax and focus on yourself.

More Mental Health Resources and Support

You can find more mental health resources in our online Resource Directory.

Be sure to also follow our DSCC Facebook page and Instagram page for helpful reminders and tips throughout the rest of the month.

Your DSCC care coordination team is also here to support you. They can listen, help identify your needs and find available services and resources.

As the heart of your child’s care team, we celebrate you this month and always!

Join us as we grow our online community to share resources, family stories and more.

The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is now on Instagram!

Follow @UICDSCC to stay connected and find:

• Helpful resources and tips for navigating care and services
• Family stories that celebrate our participants’ strength and unique experiences
• Upcoming events and learning opportunities
• Encouragement and inspiration from families and DSCC team members across the state

Follow @UICDSCC on Instagram

Our Instagram page is another way we’re working to keep you informed, supported and connected to the information and resources you need. 

We can’t wait to see you there! 

DSCC can help our participant families find food pantries and other resources as the federal government shutdown continues.

UPDATED on Nov. 14, 2025 – The Illinois Department of Human Services says it’s working to distribute full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits now that the federal government shutdown has ended.

IDHS expects the remaining benefit payments to be made over the coming days, with all SNAP recipients receiving their full November benefits by Nov. 20.

To check your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card balance, visit IDHS: Illinois Link Card or call the Illinois Link Help Line at (800) 678-LINK (5456). 

SNAP recipients can still use their benefits left on cards from previous months.

Visit snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov for the most up-to-date information from IDHS and to find food in your community.

Resources for Where to Find Food

If your family is affected by this change or needs food support, there are many local and statewide resources available:

• IDHS: Find Food website
• Find Food IL Community Food Map
• Find Food – We Got You Illinois
• Find Food – Feeding Illinois
• Find a Food Pantry or Food Bank in Illinois
• Chicago Food Programs – Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Illinois Department on Aging’s Provider Profile Search
• FoodFinder interactive food assistance map
• Freefood.org
• Findhelp.org resource locator
• 211 food programs and food benefits information
• USDA National Hunger Hotline at (866) 348-6479
• The Free Formula Exchange

These resources can help families locate nearby food pantries, meal programs and other nutrition supports. You can also find more information about local food pantries and other resources in our online Resource Directory.

If you have questions or need more assistance, please contact your Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) Care Coordinator. We are here to help!

Details about our updated phone menu to help families more quickly connect with our team

It’s important that you can reach the right team member whenever you need help or have questions.

We want to share our updated phone menu to help you more quickly connect with our staff.  

Our updated phone menu options are: 

• Press 1 for Customer Service
• Press 3 to Dial by Extension
• Press 4 for Language Line

Please note: If you need to reach a staff member directly by their extension, you must first select option 3 (“Dial by Extension”).

Entering the extension at the start of your call will automatically connect you with our Customer Service team. Option 2 (the old Language Line) is no longer available.

We understand this change may be new and want to ensure you can get to the right person without any confusion. If you have questions or need assistance, our Customer Service team is happy to help explain these options when you call.

Our toll-free number, (800) 322-3722, remains the simplest and fastest way to reach anyone at DSCC. 

Saving our toll-free (800) number and updating your Care Coordinator’s extension number in your phone’s contact list can help:

• Prevent you from mistaking our calls as spam, ensuring you receive important updates and support from your care coordination team 
• Save time when you need to call us for assistance or have questions
• Ensure smoother communication whenever you need support or would like to share feedback

You may also reach us electronically through our general dscc@uic.edu email address or our Contact Us or Request a Callback forms on our website.

Save Time With the DSCC Family Portal

Our DSCC Family Portal is also available to help you communicate and share information more easily with your care coordination team.

You can use the Family Portal to:

• Send messages
• Sign documents
• View important letters
• See a list of providers and much more

To help you get started, we’ve created several tip sheets and videos for how to use the Family Portal. You can find these resources on our website’s Family Portal page.

If you have trouble accessing the Family Portal or need other support, please email dsccexternalhelp@uic.edu. A designated DSCC staff person will help you as soon as possible.

We hope you’ll take advantage of this helpful tool!