Changes in Illinois Cares RX concern for seniors; La Salle County, IL. July 18, 2011

NewsTribune, LaSalle, Illinois : By Lindsay Vaughn
Monday, July 18, 2011

PRINCETON — Changes to the Illinois Cares RX program are causing some senior citizens to panic, fearful they won’t be able to afford their prescription medications after new income restrictions go into effect Sept. 1.
Illinois Cares RX provides prescription drug assistance to seniors and people with disabilities. Until now, the income requirements were $27,610 for one person or $36,635 for two people. Starting in September, those requirements will drop to $21,780 for one person and $29,420 for two, according to Karen Huskey, information and assistance specialist at Bureau County Senior Center, Princeton.
“It’s quite a big difference. There are 200-300 people in Bureau County that will be affected,” Huskey said.
Currently, the program covers the monthly premium for Medicare D, and patients’ co-pay amounts are $2.50 for generic and $6.30 for name brand medications, Huskey said.
Those who qualify under the new income restrictions will have increased co-pays of $5 for generic prescriptions and $15 for name brands, she said.
Those whose income exceeds the guidelines still will be on their Medicare D plans but will now have to pay the monthly premium themselves along with higher co-pays on their medications.
Huskey said most people who will be affected by the changes already have received letters explaining the new restrictions and costs. She encouraged them not to panic.
“It’s not as bad as it seems. You’ll still have Medicare D. It’s just going to cost you a little more,” she said.

Seniors who still do qualify for the program under the new income limits should call Huskey by next week at (815) 879-3981.
There will be an informational meeting at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 29 at Bureau County Senior Center, Princeton to discuss the changes to the program and what options the affected seniors now have.
Bridges Senior Center, Ottawa, also has scheduled a series of meetings throughout La Salle County. Dates for meetings:
- at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 20 at United Way of Illinois Valley, 1157 First St., La Salle
- at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 27 at Marseilles American Legion, 571 Rutland St.
- at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 28 at Bridges Senior Center, 221 W. Etna Road, Ottawa
- at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 29 at Bridges
- at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3 at Bruce Township Hall, 216 N. Sterling, Streator.
For more information, call Bridges at (815) 431-8034.

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