Rutherford explained that in order to obtain Medicare drug coverage, which begins January 1, 2006, participants must be enrolled in the program by December 31, 2005. However, in order to enroll, they must choose a carrier and decide on the type of benefits that will best suit their health care needs.

“Any Illinois resident who is eligible for federal prescription drug assistance should look at their current prescription drug coverage and compare it to the Medicare plan to see if they would benefit by switching plans. Obviously if they aren’t already covered this would be a practical option to explore,” said Rutherford.

Senator Rutherford said that individuals who are already covered by an employer should expect to receive a letter by November 15 that will let them know if their current coverage is as good as or better than Medicare. If it is superior, then they can choose to decline enrollment in a Medicare prescription drug plan, which will allow them to avoid incurring a penalty if they decide to enroll in the Medicare program at a later time.

In response to changes in the federal Medicare Part D Program, Illinois is converting its own prescription drug programs. Senior Care and Circuit Breaker will become Illinois Cares Rx Plus and Illinois Cares Rx Basic, and will cover everyone who is already eligible by Medicare, as well as some individuals who are not.

Income eligibility for Medicare Part D is $21,218 or less for an individual, $28,480 or less for a couple and $35,740 or less for a family of three or more. For those who do not qualify for Medicare, Illinois Cares Rx will provide benefits very similar to benefits currently covered by SeniorCare and Circuit Breaker Pharmaceutical Assistance, with only a small co-pay for prescription drugs.

Senator Rutherford said that the state will automatically enroll 90 percent of those people already in SeniorCare and Circuit Breaker who are eligible for Medicare Part D in one of two plans: PacifiCare Saver Plan and AARP MedicareRx Plan by United Healthcare. These estimated 214,000 of 243,000 individuals must also apply for a low income subsidy available through the Social Security Administration. The remaining 10 percent of the group eligible for Medicare consists of people covered by a Medicare Advantage plan, and they will choose from one of four plans administered by Health Alliance, HealthSpring, OSF Health Plans or WellCare.

“I want to stress that it is important for all Illinois residents who are eligible for Medicare Part D or Illinois Cares Rx to identify a plan that will best suit their health care needs and sign up as soon as possible in order to avoid a late enrollment penalty,” said Rutherford. “The Medicare coverage rules can be difficult to understand, so if you have any problems please don’t hesitate to contact your local senior citizens center, the local Area Agency on Agency, or call the State Department on Aging at 1-800-252-8966.”