Local help available on Medicare Part D and Illinois Cares Rx

[October 25, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland has announced that local help is available for people who have questions about their Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage or their Illinois Cares Rx and Circuit Breaker application.

The Medicare Part D open enrollment period is Nov. 15-Dec. 31. During this time individuals may enroll in a plan or switch their current plan. Individuals are encouraged to compare plans each year to determine if their plan is the most cost-effective and provides coverage that meets their needs.

The service is available not only to older people who receive Medicare benefits, but also to people under age 65 who have disabilities and receive Medicare benefits.

Local agencies are also available to assist individuals with the Illinois Cares Rx and Circuit Breaker applications. The deadline for applying is Dec. 31 of each year. Individuals must reapply each year in order to continue their coverage.

The following agencies can help individuals learn about and enroll in senior pharmaceutical assistance programs:

• Cass County -- Cass County Council on Aging, 1-800-854-6472; Cass County Health Department, 1-877-452-3057; or Prairie Council on Aging, 1-800-862-4464

• Christian County -- Senior Citizens of Christian County, 217-824-4263; CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp. 217-532-3662; or Montgomery County Health Department, 1-800-721-7734

• Greene County -- Illinois Valley Economic Development Corp., 618-498-3483; or Prairie Council on Aging 1-800-862-4464

• Jersey County -- Illinois Valley Economic Development Corp., 618-498-3438; or Prairie Council on Aging 1-800-862-4464

• Logan County -- Senior Services of Central Illinois 1-800-252-2516; or Senior Citizens of Logan County, 217-732-6132

• Macoupin County -- Illinois Valley Economic Development Corp., 618-498-3483; or Montgomery County Health Department, 1-800-721-7734

• Mason County -- Senior Services of Central Illinois, 1-800-252-2516

• Menard County -- Menard County Board, 217-632-4412; or Senior Services of Central Illinois, 1-800-252-2516

• Montgomery County -- CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp., 217-532-3662; or Montgomery County Health Department, 1-800-721-7734

• Morgan County -- Prairie Council on Aging, 1-800-862-4464

• Sangamon County -- Senior Services of Central Illinois, 217-528-4035; or Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland, 1-800-252-2918

• Scott County -- Prairie Council on Aging, 1-800-862-4464

(Illinois Cares Rx)

[Text from file received from the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland]