(SPRINGFIELD, IL) – The boards of directors for the Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI) and the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) today announced their plan to merge the two long term care associations. The programs and memberships of each organization will operate under the name of the Health Care Council of Illinois.
“HCCI recognizes and appreciates the history of IHCA and the value that the association has delivered for its members,” said Jonathan Aaron, Co-President of the HCCI Board of Directors. “Forming one stronger, united association will allow us to most effectively advocate for those living and working in nursing home and assisted living communities.”
“I am excited to begin our work together to tackle the tremendous challenges facing providers,” said Thomas Annarella, Chair of the IHCA Board of Directors. “As a collective voice, we will fight for compassionate solutions that position the industry for a viable future.”
Post-merger, HCCI will become the Illinois affiliate of the American Health Care Association (AHCA). Also, the Illinois Center for Assisted Living (ICAL), under HCCI, will continue as the Illinois affiliate of the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL).
“We’re excited to see that two associations, each great on its own, have decided to come together to create an even stronger voice for long term and post-acute care in Illinois,” said Mark Parkinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of AHCA/NCAL, which 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 across the country. “HCCI shares our values and is aligned with our mission of improving lives by delivering solutions for quality care. We are proud to have them join us, and we will work together to advance the skilled nursing and assisted living care options available for seniors in Illinois as well as the dedicated caregivers who support them each day. We look forward to what’s to come in this new chapter of long-term care in Illinois.”
“This growth is a result of great local leadership and a vision for the future of long-term care in Illinois,” said Phil Scalo, Chair of the AHCA Board of Governors. “We commend these organizations for making the decision to merge and doing so in the name of advancing quality care. I look forward to working in partnership with HCCI providers and getting to know their communities, caregivers, and residents.”
HCCI will incorporate best practices of AHCA/NCAL, HCCI and IHCA/ICAL to provide education and advocacy for over 470 skilled nursing and 100 assisted living facilities throughout Illinois. Matt Pickering will continue to serve as the Executive Director of HCCI and Ron Nunziato will continue as the Senior Director of Policy & Regulatory Affairs.
HCCI and IHCA have approved a memorandum of understanding to merge, subject to due diligence and finalization of details.
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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 370 licensed skilled nursing facilities and 51,000 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.
About the Illinois Health Care Association: The Illinois Health Care Association is a non-profit organization comprised of more than 450 licensed and certified long term care centers and programs throughout the state. Its members are comprised of proprietary and non-proprietary facilities which represent skilled, intermediate, developmentally disabled, skilled pediatric, assisted living, supportive living and sheltered levels of care. IHCA seeks to promote the highest standard of services in facilities and programs for the elderly and physically and mentally challenged. Visit www.ihca.com for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 16, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lindsey Hess
lhess@hccil.org
217-440-3870
