DeKalb Times

Seniors and those in need in Illinois received a significant boost with the passage of Senate Bill 3476 last month. This legislation establishes a sales tax exemption for home-delivered meals, such as those provided by Meals on Wheels, when payment is made by an intermediary as part of a Medicare or Medicaid program.

The bill assists providers like Meals on Wheels in offering nutritious meals to seniors and those in need at reduced costs. Senate Bill 3476 passed both chambers with unanimous support.

The Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois Department of Revenue, and Illinois Chamber of Commerce supported this legislation. These meals were intended to be tax-exempt; however, due to federal contracting with third-party intermediaries to administer portions of the Medicare and Medicaid programs, providers of home-delivered meals to these recipients have been incurring sales tax liabilities.

Programs like Meals on Wheels have been relied upon by seniors and other people in need for decades. Last year alone, with the help of more than 500 volunteers, Meals on Wheels of Northeastern Illinois delivered over 100,000 meals.

Meals on Wheels Chicago has supported seniors and individuals with disabilities for more than 35 years, serving just under five million meals per year. Its Home Meal Delivery program serves over 13,000 individuals and operates in partnership with Open Kitchens and the City of Chicago.

Meals on Wheels serves over two million seniors annually across communities nationwide. Their network includes over 5,000 independently run programs. Volunteers are always needed; to find your nearest provider or information on how to volunteer, visit Meals on Wheels America.