What drugs are covered?
SeniorCare covers most prescription drugs and many over-the-counter drugs if a doctor prescribes them.

Do I have to pay a fee to join?
No. SeniorCare does not have an enrollment fee but you must reapply every year.

How much will it cost me?
SeniorCare is a free program to those who qualify.

SeniorCare pays up to $1,750 per person in a year at no cost to you.
After that, you pay 20% of the cost of each prescription.

If you are single and your income is $8,860 to $17,720 a year or if you live with your spouse and together your income is $11,940 to $23,880 a year:

• For the first $1,750 per person of SeniorCare benefits in a year, you pay $1 for each generic and $4 for each brand name prescription.
  
• After that, you pay $1 per generic and $4 per brand name plus 20% of the cost of each prescription.

*When a generic drug is available but you want a brand name drug, you will probably pay more.

How do I apply?
You must file IL-1363 Application for Circuit Breaker and Pharmaceutical Assistance. We have applications here at the Senior Center or you can get a copy from the Illinois Department of Revenue. Also if this is NOT your first time applying you may apply online at www.iltax.com/circuitbreaker/

CALL: Forms Order Line (toll free) 1-800-356-6302

WRITE:
SeniorCare
Illinois Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 19021
Springfield, IL. 62794-9021

LOG ON: www.iltax.com

Can I get help to apply?
You can get help here from the Senior Center:
Call: 815-626-7707 or toll free 1-800-645-2859
or you can get help from a local agency serving seniors. To find an agency near you call (toll free):
Senior Help Line: 1-800-252-8966 (Voice or TTY) or
Health Benefits Hotline: 1-800-226-0768 (TTY 1-877-204-1012)

When will I know if I qualify?
The first time you qualify, we will send you a SeniorCare card about four to six weeks after we receive you accurately completed application.

How do I use SeniorCare?
Make sure that you take your card to the pharmacy the first time you use SeniorCare. After that, you do not have to show your card each time you pick up your medications, buyt you will have to provide your Social Security Number.

How can I renew SeniorCare?
To keep getting SeniorCare without a break in coverage, you must send in a completed IL-1363 application at least three months before your current card expires. If your application is approved, we will send you a new card about seven days before you SeniorCare ends. You must re-apply for SeniorCare every year.

For more information contact our office 815-626-7707

1207 West Ninth Street • Sterling, Illinois 61081 • (815) 626-7707
• 1-800-645-2859 • Fax (815) 625-0155

Illinois now offers 3 programs for older people and people with disabilities to help pay for prescription drugs

Illinois Rx Buying Club

• Members enjoy discounts on all presriptions at participating pharmacies and by mail order.
  
• For people 65 and over and people with disabilities at any income.
  
• No limits. No caps. No income restrictions. No paperwork.
  
• A $25 annual fee for administrative costs.

Illinois SeniorCare

• A Medicaid waiver program with income limits --
    $17,960 for a 1-person household;
    $24,240 for a 2-person household.
• Covers most prescription drugs and many over-the-counter drugs if doctor prescribed.
  
• You must be a citizen or qualified non-citizen.

  Circuit Breaker/Pharmaceutical Assistance
  

• A state program for low-income people whoseincomes are a bit too high for SeniorCare
  
• Covers prescriptions for Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, cancer, diabetes (including insulin, the syringes and needles), glaucoma, heart and blood pressure problems, lung disease and smoking-related illnesses, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis and Parkinson's disease.
  
• Applicants are also automatically placed in the illinois Rx Buying Club for coverage of additional drugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the program?
     The applications are now available. Call the Illinois Department on Aging's Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 (Voice and TTY) or link to www.state.il.us/aging. Those persons who have submitted Circuit Breaker applications will automatically be enrolled.

What is the cost of the Program?
     The annual fee will be $25.

If my spouse wants a card, must they also pay $25?
     Yes, if two or more persons in the household are eligible, each eligible member will need to apply and pay the required fee of $25.

How long will it take to get my card?
     Eligibility of each applicant for the program will be determined and an identification card issued within 30 days of application.

What drugs are covered?
     All prescription drugs approved by the FDA and marketed in the U.S. are covered under the program. A preferred drug list is available at the Web site, www.savrx.com

Are there income limits?
     There are no income limits for the program.

How do i get my drugs?
     Participating retail pharmacies will give immediate discounts to club members at the point of sale. Mail-order service is also offered.

If I am on the Circuit breaker Prescription Program or SeniorCare, will I have a second card?
     Yes.

What pharmacies will accept the card?
     Most pharmacies participate in the program. A list of participating pharmacies is available at www.savrx.com.

What will I be paying for my medications?
     The estimated savings will be between 20 to 30 percent of the regular drug-store price.

I am not 65 but have a disability, can i get the card?
The card will be available to all residents of Illinois who are 65 and over and those with disabilities.

Circuit Breaker Sign up Info

     The Whiteside County Senior Center will be offering Circuit Breaker/Pharmaceutical Assistance. If you are 65 or older or disabled and your income is under $21,218 for a single person or $28,480 for a couple Circuit Breaker/Pharmaceutical Assistance may work for you. Please bring proof of income, property taxes or rent (landlord's name, address, phone number and rent paid) information for 2002 to any of these sign ups.
     Those over 60 can come to any of the following sites and have their circuit breaker filled out at no charge. Persons under 60 are also welcome, but are asked for a $5 donation to file their apllication or can contact Tri-County and they can do their application for free.
     Please try to make it to any of these signups to renew your applications as they need to be renewed every year by March 31. We will plan to have extra staff on hand to assist int he application process during these times only.
     Please contact the senior center if you have any further questions at (815) 626-7707 or (800) 645-2859.