Seniors reminded to apply NOW online for Illinois Cares Rx to avoid a break in coverage

For more information, call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or visit www.cbrx.il.gov

[December 02, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles D. Johnson is reminding Illinois seniors to sign up now for Illinois Cares Rx to avoid a break in coverage and to ensure coverage begins on Jan. 1. Seniors and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply online because it is the fastest way to get approved. Illinois Cares Rx is the state's prescription drug assistance program that provides wrap-around prescription drug coverage to fill in the gaps created by Medicare Part D. Processing for the online application takes about four weeks and those who apply now would avoid a break in coverage and ensure coverage begins on Jan. 1.

"If you haven't applied for the Illinois Cares Rx drug coverage program this year because your income was over the limit or you didn't think you were eligible, I encourage you to apply," Johnson said. "Seniors who have access to the Internet may file for Illinois Cares Rx online so that you can get your benefits faster. And if you don't own a computer, I recommend either reaching out to family members who do own computers, visit your local Area Agency on Aging or senior centers, or contact a SHIP volunteer in your community. And remember, if you have any questions, you can always call the Illinois Department on Aging's Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966."

To assist those who may need extra help to apply, the Illinois Department of Insurance's Senior Health Insurance Program is offering free, one-on-one counseling services in communities across the state to assist Medicare-eligible individuals during the open enrollment period. For a list of SHIP volunteers, visit the SHIP Web site or call toll-free at 1-800-548-9034.

"The cost of prescription drugs has escalated to the point of being unaffordable for many of the people who rely on them most, especially seniors and people with disabilities," said Healthcare and Family Services Director Barry S. Maram. "No one should have to go without the medications that keep them healthy, which is why I strongly encourage seniors and people with disabilities to see whether they qualify for prescription drug assistance though Illinois Cares Rx."

In addition to reminding seniors and people with disabilities to reapply now to avoid a break in coverage, the state is also noting changes that will benefit more enrollees.

A new law will make it easier for some to get into the program. Last month, Gov. Pat Quinn signed House Bill 366 into law to expand the Circuit Breaker program, which includes the Illinois Cares Rx program, property tax relief grant and a license plate discount. The new law raises the income eligibility. By allowing higher incomes, more seniors and people with disabilities will be eligible to receive the state's prescription drug assistance. The new limits, effective on Jan. 1, 2010, will be:

• $27,610 (currently $22,218) for a household size of one.

• $36,635 (currently $29,480) for a household size of two.

• $45,657 (currently $36,740) for a household size of three or more.

More good news is that the medications available to Illinois Cares Rx enrollees also have been expanded.

In 2008, 235,236 applied online, compared with 158,888 in 2007 and 75,288 in 2006, the first year the Illinois Department on Aging had made the Illinois Cares Rx application available online. (Each year listed accounts for the previous claim year.)

Before logging on to the Internet to apply, individuals should have the following information available: Social Security number(s), amount of property taxes paid in 2008, amount of rent paid in 2008 and a copy of 2008 federal tax returns.

Seniors with questions about Illinois Cares Rx may check at www.cbrx.il.gov or call the Illinois Department on Aging's Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.

[Text from Illinois Department on Aging file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]