Illinois Health Care Association

What Illinois Health Care Association does

Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) is a non-profit statewide trade association founded in 1950 and headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. It represents more than 500 licensed and certified long term care centers and programs across the full care continuum, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted and supportive living residences, and programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). The association's stated mission is to lead in advocacy and education for its members, which it delivers through regulatory representation before the Illinois General Assembly and state agencies, IDFPR-approved continuing education across six disciplines, an annual Convention & Expo, a bi-annual LTC Today magazine, a weekly IHCA News Brief, a job board, preferred vendor discounts, and the IHCA Political Action Committee.

IHCA operates three wholly-owned affiliated entities that provide specialized support for distinct constituencies: the Illinois Center for Assisted Living (ICAL), The Center for Developmental Disabilities Advocacy and Community Supports (CDDACS), and the Long Term Care Nurses Association (LTCNA). Its technology infrastructure is modest and association-typical, consisting of a GrowthZone-hosted member portal (Info Hub), Webex-delivered webinars, and the CE Central database for automatic continuing education credit tracking; IHCA is not a technology product company and offers no public-facing software platform or API.

Revenue is generated primarily through recurring membership dues (Associate $1,875/year, Individual $225/year, Student $50/year, with facility/center dues scaled by bed count), supplemented by event registration fees, job board advertising ($75-$150 per ad), Convention & Expo sponsorships and exhibitor fees ($75 to $6,000 per sponsorship tier), and advertising in LTC Today magazine and online. In 2024, IHCA terminated a previously announced Memorandum of Understanding merger with the Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI), and the organization continues to operate as an independent member-driven association governed by an elected board of directors.

Name

Illinois Health Care Association

Legal name

Illinois Health Care Association

Website

https://ihca.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Illinois Health Care Association is a non-profit statewide trade association founded in 1950 representing more than 500 licensed and certified long term care facilities in Illinois, providing advocacy, continuing education, networking, and business resources across skilled nursing, assisted living, and ID/DD providers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Springfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: IHCA generates primary revenue from annual membership dues. Facility/Center membership dues are based on the total number of beds in all facilities under common ownership. Associate membership is $1,875 annually, Individual membership is $225 annually, and Student membership is $50 annually. This is the core revenue stream supporting the association's advocacy, education, and communications programs.
2. Event Registration Fees: IHCA charges registration fees for its educational events including the annual Convention & Expo (76th Annual, September 21-23, 2026 in East Peoria), Lunch & Learn webinar series, Licensure Review Course for Nursing Home Administrators, and other seminars. Fees are tiered by membership status (member vs. non-member) and range from $52 per person for webinars to $385 for two-day licensure review courses.
3. Job Board Advertising: IHCA operates a job board for long term care facilities and vendors. Job postings are charged at $75 per ad for members and $150 per ad for non-members, run for 30 days, and also appear in the weekly IHCA News Brief sent to members each Monday.
4. Convention Exhibitor and Sponsorship Fees: IHCA sells booth space, sponsorships, and advertising at its annual Convention & Expo. Booth registration is included with Associate Membership for a standard member booth. Sponsorship opportunities range from $75 (app message) to $6,000 (Keynote Address Sponsor). The event attracts exhibitors from more than 80 companies and nearly 400 attendees.
5. Marketing and Advertising in Publications: IHCA offers advertising opportunities in LTC Today magazine (bi-annual publication) and on the association website. The magazine covers technology, clinical products, member accomplishments, trends, and facility profiles. Marketing opportunities are available to both members and non-members seeking to reach long term care professionals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

IHCA is a non-profit statewide trade association representing more than 500 licensed and certified long term care facilities across Illinois, including skilled nursing, assisted living, and ID/DD programs. It sells membership subscriptions, paid continuing education programs (in-person and on-demand), event registrations for its annual Convention & Expo and webinars, job board postings, advertising in its LTC Today magazine, and exhibit/sponsorship packages. Its affiliated entities — ICAL (assisted living), CDDACS (ID/DD), and LTCNA — provide specialized advocacy and constituency services.

Product overview

Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) is a nonprofit membership-based trade association founded in 1950, representing over 500 licensed and certified long term care facilities throughout Illinois. The organization operates as a unified association providing advocacy and education services rather than a software platform. Its core offerings include membership programs with advocacy representation before the Illinois General Assembly and state agencies, continuing education programs (including IHCA Education Access on-demand platform), and the annual Convention & Expo. Supporting services include the LTC Today magazine publication, IHCA Excellence Awards recognition program, IHCA PAC political advocacy, job board, and the IHCA Info Hub member portal. The organization also offers regulatory and legislative tracking services, preferred vendor discount programs, and produces the annual Membership Directory & Buyers' Guide. Under IHCA's umbrella, the Illinois Center for Assisted Living (ICAL) supports assisted living members, and The Center for Developmental Disabilities and Community Supports (CDDACS) advocates for ID/DD members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IHCA Membership Programs Annual membership subscriptions giving long term care facilities, vendors, retired professionals, and students access to advocacy representation, discounted education, networking, and preferred vendor discounts.
• Continuing Education Programs Face-to-face seminars, web seminars, and an annual convention offering 80+ educational sessions with CE credits for nursing home administrators, licensed nurses, social workers, physical therapists, dietary managers, and QIDPs.
• IHCA Education Access On-Demand Platform Virtual learning platform providing on-demand access to recorded sessions from IHCA educational events, with automatic CE credit tracking through the CE Central database.
• 76th Annual IHCA Convention & Expo Annual three-day convention and trade show featuring educational sessions, an expo with 80+ exhibitors, and networking opportunities for nearly 400 long term care professionals; offers up to 12 continuing education credits.
• Licensure Review Course for Nursing Home Administrators One- or two-day review course preparing candidates for the Illinois Nursing Home Administrator licensure exam; delivered via Webex with member ($260 one-day / $385 two-day) and non-member ($364 / $650) pricing.
• Lunch & Learn Webinar Series Recurring webinar series providing one continuing education credit per session to long term care professionals; member rate $52/person, non-member rate $78/person, plus a 4% technology fee.
• IHCA Job Board Online job posting platform where long term care facilities, employment agencies, and recruiting firms can post openings for $75 (members) or $150 (non-members) per 30-day ad; postings also appear in the weekly IHCA News Brief.
• Convention Exhibitor Booths and Sponsorships Paid booth space and sponsorship packages at the IHCA Annual Convention & Expo, including Keynote Address Sponsor ($6,000), Overall Convention Program Sponsor ($2,500), Convention Tote Bags ($2,000), and Beverage Station ($1,500).
• LTC Today Magazine Advertising

Quantifiable outcome

• IHCA's advocacy work with the Illinois Health and Hospital Association contributed to reform recommendations for Medicaid MCO contracts effective January 1, 2027, including higher reimbursement rates and stronger accountability measures.

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and strategic.

• CE SolutionscoreTechnology or IntegrationCE Solutions is IHCA's Preferred Vendor for Education. The company provides online training and education through an easy-to-use Learning Management System allowing managers and staff to assign, complete, and track education. Facility-specific content can be uploaded, and HR system connections are available. CE Solutions also provides Infection Compliance Solutions for surveillance and antibiotic stewardship tracking. Contact: Deb Martin at 855-874-6930 or [email protected].
• Herzing UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThrough a partnership with Herzing University, IHCA members receive exclusive benefits including 20% tuition reduction for select programs, waived application fees, free evaluations of prior learning for transfer credit, and a dedicated support team. Classes are available online or on-campus. Programs relevant to long term care include RN-BSN Online, Accelerated RN to MSN, and Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Leadership and Administration. Herzing University is a regionally accredited, non-profit institution established in 1965.
• WCPC (Wound Certification Preparation Course) VirtualsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerIHCA and LTCNA partner with WCPC Virtual to offer virtual wound management education specifically designed to prepare participants for CWCA, CWS, and CWSP certification exams. IHCA/LTCNA members receive discounts: $400 off WCPC Live Course, $350 off WCPC 90 Day On Demand, $225 off WCPC Virtual Regular Rate. Classes are offered live or on demand.
• Accurate BiometricssecondaryTechnology or IntegrationAccurate Biometrics is IHCA's Preferred Fingerprinting Vendor, providing fingerprinting services for criminal history background checks required for the healthcare industry. They assist with IDPH Healthcare Worker Registry, Illinois State Police name-based and fingerprint-based checks, with over 40 locations throughout Illinois and no appointments necessary. They hold an A+ rating with the BBB and a 10-year Exemplary Service Award. Contact: [email protected] or 217-720-9248.
• HPSI Group PurchasingsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationHPSI partners in group purchasing, combining purchases from many separate buyers to ensure the best possible pricing, service, and quality from suppliers. They offer mutually beneficial partnerships between long term health care facilities and suppliers, providing analytical reporting to manage purchases by product category and impacts on per resident day expenses. HPSI's Pete McDowell serves on the IHCA Board of Directors as Associate/Individual Representative. Contact: [email protected] or 217-720-9248.
• APPI EnergysecondaryTechnology or IntegrationAPPI Energy is an IHCA Partner providing energy services to member facilities. Part of IHCA's preferred vendor/partnership program to help members reduce costs on energy.
• HealthCapsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationHealthCap is an IHCA Partner providing risk management and insurance services to member facilities. Part of IHCA's partnership program to serve members.
• NAHCA (National Association of Health Care Assistants)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerNAHCA is an IHCA Partner providing direct care worker education and support services. Supports IHCA's mission to provide quality care through workforce development.
• The Center for Developmental Disabilities Advocacy and Community Supports (CDDACS)coreOthersCDDACS (also known as The Center) is an IHCA entity focused on advocacy and support for members serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. CDDACS represents ICF/DDs, skilled pediatric facilities, and CILA providers. Led by Executive Director Marie Rucker, CDDACS handles ID/DD regulatory, public policy, and legislative issues. IHCA focuses on geriatric long term care while CDDACS concentrates on ID/DD needs. CDDACS Board of Directors meets periodically to discuss ID/DD community issues.
• Illinois Center for Assisted Living (ICAL)coreOthersICAL is an IHCA entity providing support services for assisted and supportive living members. ICAL operates under the IHCA umbrella alongside CDDACS and provides constituency representation for assisted living facilities within the IHCA Board structure.
• Long Term Care Nurses Association (LTCNA)coreOthersLTCNA is the official body representing nurses within IHCA's membership. LTCNA's authority stems from its bylaws as approved by its Board. The LTCNA president serves as a voting member of IHCA's Board of Directors. LTCNA Council is the governing body responsible for initiating and conducting activities to determine, develop, and promote the interests of LTCNA. LTCNA also manages the Annual Nursing Awards and the John W. Maitland, Jr.—Joseph F. Warner Long Term Care Nurses Scholarship Fund.
• Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerIHCA works with the Illinois Health and Hospital Association on issues of mutual concern, including submitting recommendations for Medicaid MCO reform to the state of Illinois. IHA represents hospitals and health systems and collaborates with IHCA on policy reform for healthcare provider reimbursement and accountability.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Others

• Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys: A smaller Illinois healthcare-focused professional association that overlaps with IHCA on regulatory and legal topics. Listed as an adjacent association ecosystem peer rather than a direct competitor for long-term care provider members.
• Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA): IPHCA represents Illinois community health centers (FQHCs) and operates as a peer state-level healthcare trade association with a comparable advocacy-education-convention model, though focused on primary care rather than long-term care.

Direct peers

• Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI): HCCI is another major Illinois long-term care association that IHCA attempted to merge with in 2024 before talks collapsed. HCCI represents a parallel provider-advocacy organization in the same Illinois long-term care market, making it the most direct comparable competitor.
• LeadingAge Illinois: A statewide association representing non-profit aging services providers in Illinois, including nursing homes, assisted living, and senior housing. It directly competes with IHCA for member facilities and policy influence, with a focus on the mission-driven, non-profit segment of the same market.

Broad incumbents

• American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL): The national trade association for skilled nursing and assisted living providers; IHCA is an Illinois state affiliate and the two organizations are structurally linked in advocacy, education, and policy representation. AHCA/NCAL is the macro-level peer whose strategic priorities and educational products directly shape what IHCA delivers.
• National Association for the Support of Long Term Care (NASL): A national association representing vendors and providers of ancillary long-term care services and products. NASL is an adjacent peer that serves many of the same associate/vendor members IHCA counts in its $1,875 associate tier.
• Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA): IHA represents Illinois hospitals and health systems and is an active IHCA partner on Medicaid MCO reform. While IHA serves a different segment (hospitals), it is a peer Illinois healthcare association that competes for the same policymakers' attention and member mindshare.

Regional players

• California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF): California's statewide long-term care association with a comparable mission, member base (skilled nursing and assisted living), and advocacy/education programming. CAHF serves as a cross-state peer that benchmarks IHCA's scale and service mix.
• Texas Health Care Association: The largest state-level long-term care association outside Illinois, with a similar advocacy, education, and convention model. THCA is a useful regional peer for understanding how a state association operates in a larger, more fragmented long-term care market.
• Care Providers of Minnesota: A Minnesota-based state association for long-term care providers offering the same advocacy, education, and convention services as IHCA. Comparable in scale and operating model, serving as a useful regional benchmark.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IHCA_LngTrmCare
• Facebookfacebook.com/ILHealthCareAssociation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/illinois-health-care-association

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Illinois Health Care Association