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MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION
DRUG COVERAGE (PART D)
Beginning in 2006, Medicare offers prescription drug coverage
through insurance plans provided by private companies that have
been approved by Medicare. This coverage is available to everyone
with Medicare.
Individuals can choose and join the Medicare drug plan that
works best for them.
Each plan has a monthly premium. All drug plans must provide
coverage that is at least as good as standard Medicare prescription
drug coverage. Some plans might offer more coverage and additional
drugs for higher monthly premiums. You may decide not to join
a Medicare drug plan when you are first eligible, but you might
have to pay a penalty if you choose to join later.
THE BASICS
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Everyone with Medicare can get this coverage that may help
lower prescription drug costs and help protect against higher
costs in the future.
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There is extra help from Social Security for people with
limited resources.
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The state programs, Senior Care and the pharmaceutical
portion of Circuit Breaker, were joined to form Illinois Cares
Rx, a new program to help pay the costs that Medicare does
not. In order to receive Illinois Cares Rx, Medicare beneficiaries
MUST apply to Social Security for extra help with Medicare
Prescription Drug Plan costs.
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In order to keep Illinois Cares Rx coverage, you must
file 2006 Form IL-1363. Coverage will work with Medicare
Part D insurance for the year 2008. New enrollees can file
for Illinois Cares Rx coverage through December 31, 2007.
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November 15 - December 31, 2007 is open enrollment. During
this period you can enroll in or switch plans, which will
become effective January 1, 2008.
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Individuals newly entitled to Medicare can enroll three
months before month of eligibility, month of eligibility,
or three months after month of eligibility. If you enroll
three months before your eligibility, your prescription coverage
would be effective the month your Medicare begins. If you
enroll the month Medicare begins or three months after, your
prescription coverage would be effective the following month.
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If you have creditable prescription drug coverage and your
coverage ends, you have 63 days to enroll in a Medicare Prescription
without incurring a penalty.
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Cass County Council on Aging
800-854-6472
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Cass County Health Department
877-452-3057
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Prairie Council on Aging 800-862-4464
Logan County
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Central Illinois Economic Development Corporation 217/732-2159
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OASIS Senior Center 217/732-6132
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Senior Services of Central Illinois
800-252-2516
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