The state of Illinois is increasing the cost for military veterans to live in its nursing homes.
The Pantagraph in Bloomington reports the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs has notified residents of the increase. It's the first time the state has raised monthly fees for residents since 1979. Costs will rise starting July 1st, going from about $930 per resident a month to about $1,430.
New residents will see the increase immediately. The increase will be phased-in for current residents over four years. Then, starting in 2017 the monthly cost will be tied to inflation.
The state operates nursing homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. More than 900 residents live in the facilities. A Chicago nursing home for about 200 veterans is scheduled to open in 2015.
