 "I am pleased that seniors and people with disabilities can get the
prescription drugs and benefits that they are entitled to at a low
cost," said IDoA Director Charles D. Johnson. "And by having the
same convenient online application process available one month
earlier than previous years, people have extra time to sign up for
these benefits."The Department on Aging is encouraging
individuals to use the online application at
www.cbrx.il.gov because it is
the fastest way to get approved for the state's prescription drug
assistance program, Circuit Breaker property tax grants and $54
license plate discount.
The state's pharmaceutical assistance program, Illinois Cares Rx,
provides wraparound prescription drug coverage to fill in the gaps
created by Medicare Part D and offers drug coverage for people who
do not have Medicare. Individuals eligible for the Illinois Cares Rx
program may also be eligible for additional benefits from the
state's Circuit Breaker program
 .
The Circuit Breaker program may provide a property tax relief
grant for individuals who pay property tax on their residence or
rent or nursing home charges on a residence that is subject to
property tax. In addition, the program provides an annual $54
discount on the license plate fee for one vehicle. These benefits,
including Illinois Cares Rx, can be accessed by applying on one
application.
In 2008 more than 235,000 people applied online, compared with
190,976 in 2007 and 75,288 in 2006, the first year the Illinois
Department on Aging made the Illinois Cares Rx and Circuit Breaker
application available online.
The department sent booklets to people who submitted Illinois
Cares Rx and Circuit Breaker applications in the mail last year.
People who filed an application for Circuit Breaker and Illinois
Cares Rx via the Internet will receive yellow postcards in the mail
as a reminder to reapply online.
To assist individuals who may need extra help to apply, the
Department on Aging staff conducted training sessions in
coordination with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional
Regulation, Division of Insurance, Senior Health Insurance Program,
known as SHIP. The training was to explain changes in this upcoming
year to providers in the Aging Network.
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SHIP, which provides free individual counseling services at local
sites throughout Illinois, is dedicated to educating people with
Medicare and their caregivers about available insurance options. For
seniors who don't have access to a computer, they are encouraged to
visit a local senior center, public library, community center, Area
Agency on Aging or Senior Health Assistance Program site to access
the Web-based application.
Individuals eligible for Illinois
Cares Rx fall into one of the following groups, whether or not they
have Medicare:
-
Illinois Cares Rx
Plus
Who can enroll? If you are 65 years of age or older, a citizen
or qualified noncitizen, and have an annual income of no more
than $23,903, or, for a household of two, with an annual income
limit of $32,177.
What's covered? Almost all prescription drugs are covered.
-
2. Illinois Cares Rx Basic
Who can enroll? Seniors or people with disabilities and with
income less than $25,532 for a single person, $33,877 for a
household of two and $42,220 for a household of three or more
people.
What's covered? Prescription drugs for the treatment of
Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, glaucoma,
cardiovascular disease, lung disease and smoking-related
illnesses, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, multiple
sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS (if you have Medicare).
For more information or assistance, call the Senior HelpLine at
1-800-252-8966 or 888-206-1327 TTY; call Circuit Breaker at
1-800-624-2459; or visit
www.cbrx.il.gov.
[Text from
Illinois
Department on Aging file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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