Download You will not need to use your Illinois medical card to get your

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
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