Illinois Cares program will end June 30 | News

The following was posted on the Illinois Department on Aging website.  This is part of the state's budget compromise:

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is sending letters to current Illinois Cares Rx beneficiaries notifying them that as of June 30, 2012 the Illinois Cares Rx program will be terminated. This means that Illinois Cares Rx will no longer help pay for prescription drugs and Medicare Part D premiums.

It is important that individuals contact their Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to find out what their premium and prescription drug costs will be beginning July 1.

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 between June 1, 2012 and 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.

Please review the letter below for more details. If you have questions or would like to locate a Senior Health Assistance Program (SHAP) site near you for assistance, contact the Senior HelpLine at 800-252-8966, 1-888-206-1327 (TTY).

You can read more on this news on STLToday.com.