February 21, 2011
Governor Quinn Calls for Elminating Illinois Cares Rx
On February 16, Governor Quinn released his proposed budget for 2012, which includes eliminating the Illinois Cares Rx program. This crucial program helps seniors on Medicare Part D pay for their deductible, monthly premiums and prescription drugs. Over 200,000 Illinoisans would be significantly impacted if Illinois Cares Rx was eliminated. The program provides critical assistance to low-income seniors who should not have to choose between medicine, food or rent. The Illinois Alliance sent a letter to the Governor asking him to oppose any cuts to Illinois Cares Rx. Please see below for the letter.
If you are enrolled in Illinois Cares Rx and would like to share your story about why the extra help is so important to you, please contact Emily Stuart at (312) 427-2114 ext. 207. It is important that we get the word out to the public that elimination of Illinois Cares Rx would be devastating to many Illinois seniors.
February 17, 2011
Dear Governor Quinn,
The Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, a statewide coalition of over 220,000 retirees, strongly opposes eliminating Illinois Cares Rx. This crucial program helps low-income Medicare Part D beneficiaries pay for their deductible, monthly premiums and prescription drugs.
The federal Affordable Care Act slowly narrows and ultimately closes the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage gap by 2020, making prescription drugs covered by Medicare more affordable, however, not only is the closing of the gap years away, Medicare Part D beneficiaries will still have to pay the deductible and monthly premiums after 2020. The Affordable Care Act only fixes the problem of the prescription drug coverage gap, making Illinois Cares Rx a still much-needed program for seniors.
Illinois Cares Rx is a critical benefit for low-income seniors and during the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, Illinois seniors should not have to choose between medicine, food or rent. The Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans asks you to oppose any cuts to Illinois Cares Rx.
Sincerely,