Financial Assistance Available For Seniors and Disabled

If you are 65 years of age or older or over 16 years of age and disabled, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Circuit Breaker Program and the Illinois Cares Prescription Program.  According to Jan Yanders, Senior Information Services Specialist for the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department, if you pay rent or property taxes and your income is less than $27,610 for a one person household or $36,635 for a two person household then you will be eligible for the Circuit Breaker Program.

According to Yanders, the Circuit Breaker Program does not pay utility bills but will assist in the payment of your Medicare D premiums and decrease co-pays for your prescriptions.  Those qualifying for the program will also receive a discount on their license plate sticker for one vehicle.  Some may receive a grant from the State of Illinois if income is low and rent or taxes are high. 

To enroll, a form must be completed annually, either paper or electronically.  Those participating in the program last year who filed with a paper application will receive a paper application in the mail.  Those who filed on the internet last year will receive a post card reminder in the mail.  Internet applications are now available on line and may be downloaded at the Illinois.Benefits.org site.   Both programs are applied for using the same application form. 

For more information regarding these programs or for assistance in completing the form, contact Jan at 217-379-9281.  Mrs. Yanders will be at the Telecare office in Gibson City each Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to assist with questions and applications.  Please contact Telecare for an appointment at 217-784-4891.  Yanders will also be available to take appointments at the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department in Paxton on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Again, an appointment is required and may be made by calling 217-379-9281.