Illinois Department on Aging
Charles D. Johnson, Director
421 East Capitol Avenue, #100
Springfield, Illinois 62701-1789

02/17/2006

Dear Rosmarie Bothoff:

Governor Blagojevich and I are committed to making sure you have access to the medicine you need. I am writing you because you have been enrolled in Circuit Breaker Pharmaceutical Assistance or Senior Care. These programs now have a new name: Illinois Cares Rx.

As a member of Illinois Cares Rx, there are new things this year you need to know:

• We have extended your Illinois Cares Rx drug benefits until December 31, 2006. You don't need to re-apply right now, but you should by July to assure benefits in 2007.

• The Circuit Breaker program will continue to provide tax relief and discounts on license plate fees. You must file the 2005 Form IL-1363 to receive these benefits this year.

• Since you are automatically re-enrolled for drug benefits, we are not sending you the IL-1363 form. l urge you to reapply for Circuit Breaker and Illinois Cares Rx over the Internet by going to www.cbrx.il.gov, unless you have attachments to submit. You can request a paper application by calling the numbers in the box below. Applying over the Internet will speed processing and assure the accuracy ofyour application.

• If you do not have Internet access, your local Area Agency on Aging or Senior Health Assistance Program can assist you. Call the number on the back side of this page to find the closest place to pick up or get help with the application.

• You can also call the following toll free numbers to find an office near you:

Department on Aging Senior Helpline 1-800-252-8966
Department on Aging Circuit Breaker Division 1-800-624-2459 (TTY 1-800-544-5304)
Senior Health Insurance Program Helpline 1-800-548-9034 (TTY 1-217-524-4872)

Please remember, if you are eligible for Medicare, you must apply to Social Security for "extra help." Call 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-324-0778 (TTY) for an application if you have not submitted one.

If you have any additional questions please call our HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 and check our Website at www.state.il.us/aging to learn more about these and other important benefits.

Sincerely,

Charles Johnson, Director
Illinois Department on Aging