Today, the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) awarded State Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) with the “Voice of Senior Care Award.” The award was created as a way for the IHCA to show their appreciation to legislators who advocate for state programs that assist Illinois’ senior community. In a letter announcing the selection of Rep. Hammond as a recipient of the award, the IHCA stated:
“This year, the Illinois Health Care Association Public Policy committee has chosen Rep. Hammond to receive the Voice of Senior Care Award for her diligent effort and support in recognizing the underfunding of Skilled Nursing Facilities. Equally important, Rep. Hammond has continued to help providers and residents in her community who have struggled with the delay in the Long Term Care Medicaid pending application process. Beyond this, Rep. Hammond was an avid spokesperson for quality care and seniors this past spring and we thank her.”
The IHCA is a non-profit organization comprised of more than 500 licensed and certified long term care facilities and homes/programs for the developmentally disabled throughout the state.
“I’m grateful for this award from the IHCA because state government made important improvements in programs for Illinois seniors this past legislative session, but there is still more work to be done,” said Rep. Hammond. “Advocating for our senior community is one of my top priorities in Springfield. I’m proud that in this year’s budget, we were able to increase funding for programs that assist seniors who live in nursing facilities and in their homes. I look forward to continue supporting our seniors so they can have peace of mind and get the services they need from state government.”
This past legislative session, Rep. Hammond supported the Fiscal Year 2020 state budget, which increased funding for vital services for Illinois seniors, including the Long Term Care (LTC) program and Community Care Program (CCP). The LTC program assists seniors in receiving in-home assistance. The CCP program assists seniors who are living in nursing facilities.