Rep. Hamos Holds Senior Summit, Receives Two Awards

Special to juliehamos.org
October 15, 2002

On Thursday, October 10, 2002, Margo Schreiber, the Director of the Illinois Department on Aging, accompanied State Representative Julie Hamos on a visit to seniors throughout the 18th District. In addition, Rep. Hamos hosted briefings on new State programs for seniors, including an important new pharmaceutical benefit program for seniors at the Levy Senior Center, North Shore Retirement Hotel, Ebenezer Primm Towers and St. Francis Nursing Home.

"We need to make sure that seniors know that the new SeniorCard program is a generous new law covering most prescription drugs. Unfortunately, a lot of confusion was created when the State of Illinois began the program, and many seniors may be unaware that they are eligible," stated Rep. Julie Hamos.

At a forum at the new Levy Senior Center in Evanston, Director Schreiber was joined by other speakers who addressed predatory lending issues and home repair fraud, along with information on prescription drug coverage. Tables were set up to assist seniors to apply for both Circuit Breaker and SeniorCare pharmaceutical drug programs.

Director Schreiber called the SeniorCare program "one of the most innovative laws in the country," as it has significantly expanded the coverage available under the already existing Circuit Breaker/Pharmaceutical Assistance Program. Almost all prescription drugs are covered under SeniorCare, as well as a number of doctor-prescribed over-the-counter drugs. The income eligibility for SeniorCare is $17,720 for a single senior, and $23,880 for a senior couple.

During a luncheon for area service providers, Rep. Hamos was surprised when the Palliative Care Center and Hospice of the North Shore presented her with the 2002 Community Service Award, citing her legislative support for hospice and end-of-life care for seniors.

On Friday, October 11, 2002, Rep. Hamos was invited to tour the ManorCare facility in Wilmette, and was presented with the Legislator of the Year Award by the Illinois Health Care Association, a statewide association representing nursing homes. "Rep. Hamos earned this award by being proactively involved in championing the needs of nursing home residents and all seniors," stated Joe Hylak-Reinholtz of the Illinois Health Care Association.

For any questions about prescription drug assistance programs in Illinois, please contact Rep. Hamos' district office at (847) 424-9898.