WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) announced today that it has terminated its affiliation agreement with the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) and will now be affiliating with the Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI). The change goes into effect immediately.
“We are excited about the future and can’t wait to get started in this new partnership,” said AHCA/NCAL President & CEO Clif Porter. “HCCI is not only the largest association representing long-term care in Illinois but is also very effective. We believe that combining the forces of HCCI and AHCA/NCAL will deliver results for residents and providers in Illinois.”
“HCCI is both eager and prepared to embrace the opportunity of becoming the Illinois affiliate of AHCA/NCAL,” said Jonathan Aaron, Co-President of HCCI’s Board of Directors. “While HCCI has long been a leader in advocating for residents and providers at the state level, our new affiliation with AHCA/NCAL will provide invaluable national support that will further enhance our efforts here in Illinois. Partnering with AHCA/NCAL and their team will strengthen our ability to drive meaningful change and amplify our impact on the future of long-term care in our state.”
In September, HCCI and IHCA announced the two associations would merge. However, IHCA recently pulled out of the merger. The state association has experienced a significant decline in membership in recent years, now representing less than 100 of Illinois’ more than 650 nursing homes.
“We appreciate the history we have had with IHCA, but unfortunately, its diminishing membership means we can no longer fulfill our mission of improving lives by delivering solutions for quality care,” said AHCA Board Chair Phil Scalo. “We still hope to unite the sector through HCCI and encourage Illinois providers to join us. Together, we can make a positive impact in Illinois and nationwide.”
Matt Pickering will continue to serve as the Executive Director of HCCI, leading efforts to integrate with AHCA/NCAL and expand membership. Despite ongoing industry challenges and facility closures, especially those accelerated by the pandemic, HCCI’s membership continues to grow. The association will soon represent over 400 skilled nursing facilities and more than 50,000 beds, encompassing the vast majority of facilities and beds in the state, as well as providing care to the majority of Medicaid recipients in long-term care. Additionally, HCCI is rapidly expanding its membership to include more assisted living facilities.
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ABOUT AHCA/NCAL
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers, and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit www.ahcancal.org.
About the Health Care Council of Illinois
The Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI) strives to bridge the divide between policymakers and nursing home communities across the state. As a non-profit member association, the organization represents more than 400 licensed skilled nursing facilities and 50,000 beds in Illinois. Through education and advocacy, HCCI works collaboratively with administrators, lawmakers and other stakeholders to find creative, practical solutions to complex public policy issues impacting residents and staff. For more information, visit www.hccil.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 9, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT:
AHCAPressOffice@ahca.org
Lindsey Hess
lhess@hccil.org
217-440-3870
