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Rod Blagojevich Governor Office of the Governor Springfield, IL 62706 AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH ABOUT YOUR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS September 2005 Over the past two years, my administration has created several new programs like I-SaveRx and the Rx Buying Club to ensure everyone has access to affordable prescriptions. And now with the new Medicare drug benefit starting next year, Illinois is once again stepping up to make sure that you don’t lose any of the benefits you’ve come to expect. The new Medicare drug benefit will change the way you get your drugs, and we’ll help to make your transition to this new program is as smooth as possible. I will also make sure that no senior or person with a disability gets left behind as Medicare takes over your prescription drug benefits. Here’s how it will work. Next year, Medicare will begin to cover the prescription drugs you need because you get Medicare health benefits. Starting on January 1, 2006, Medicare will cover your prescription drugs. You will not need to use your Illinois medical card to get your prescriptions, but your Illinois medical card will still cover your other health care costs. In October or November, you should pick a Medicare prescription drug plan. If you do not pick a plan, Medicare will pick a prescription drug plan for you. You will be able to change your prescription drug plan. Medicare will pay your premiums and deductibles. Most people will pay a small co-payment for prescriptions. People who live in a nursing facility will not pay co-payments. Watch your mail for more information about your new Medicare prescription drug coverage. You may find it helpful to keep this letter and other information you get about Medicare drug coverage in one place. A new federal law called the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003 caused this change. If you have questions about the new Medicare prescription drug coverage, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit the website www.medicare.gov. Call the Illinois Health Benefits Hotline at 1-800-226-0768 if you have questions about your Illinois medical card health benefits. If you use a TTY, call 1-877-204-1012. Together, we’ll make sure no one gets left behind and everyone’s benefits are protected. Sincerely, Rod Blagojevich CN 05.29 PRINTED IN-HOUSE