On July 1, 2012, Illinois Cares Rx and the Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief Grant were cut by the State of Illinois.

This means that Illinois Cares Rx will no longer help pay for prescription drugs and Medicare Part D premiums, and the Circuit Breaker grant will no longer be available for property tax assistance. This cut affects thousands and thousands of older adults and people who have a disability.

Individuals losing their Illinois Cares Rx coverage should contact their Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to find out what their monthly premium and prescription drug costs will be. Individuals will be able to choose a different Medicare Part D plan to better meet their needs. If an individual chooses to change Medicare Part D plans, they may enroll in the new plan until August 31, 2012. There will also be an opportunity to change plans during the Medicare Part D Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, 2012.

Attached is a copy of the letter that individuals received.

If you, or someone who you care about, needs assistance with choosing a Medicare D plan, contact the Illinois Department on Aging at 1-800-252-8966 or  website to locate Senior Health Assistance Program (SHAP). 

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What Can You Do To Help ?

You can call your State Representative, your State Senator, and Governor Quinn and express your outrage at the cut.

• Call your State Representative at 1-888-616-3322
• Call your State Senator at 1-800-664-9903
• Call Governor Quinn at 312-814-2121

And, go AARP Illinois Facebook Page and share your story.  AARP will be using your stories in their advocacy work with media and legislators. 

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We will keep you up-to-date with information on other changes to public benefit programs and what you can do to advocate against them. 

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One of the areas of law that Dutton & Casey concentrate in is estate planning. Click here to learn how we can assit you, or someone who you care about. 

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This story is an all too often happening event and the consequences affect all of us.

The Illinois Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program is a program that is here to assist us.

What is the SMP Program?

The SMP Program empowers consumers to prevent healthcare fraud. Program staff and volunteers help people with Medicare and Medicaid to:

1) PROTECT themselves from Medicare & Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse.
2) DETECT Medicare & Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse.
3) REPORT Medicare & Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse.

click here to read more about the SMP program and how you can assist in reducing healthcare fraud.

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-Medicare and You, 2012

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  -booklet from National Institue on Aging