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Hi All, Does anybody in Illinois know 'bout this? New year brings welcome changes There have been some changes in two programs that offer financial assistance to seniors — the Circuit Breaker/Pharmaceutical Assistance Program and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Perhaps the biggest change occurs in the Circuit Breaker/Pharmaceutical program. In addition to providing a small rebate on rent or real estate taxes, the program provides a pharmaceutical card that allows seniors to purchase prescriptions for a $3 co-payment per prescription. The drugs covered by the program are limited to those for specific illnesses — heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, lung disease and cancer. This is a financial eligibility program. A one-person household cannot have an income that exceeds $21,218, and a two-person household cannot have an income that exceeds $28,480. There is a benefit cap of $2,000 per state fiscal year (July 1 to June 30), but after that cap is reached, participants will be required to pay 20 percent of the cost of the prescription — still a big help and a big difference between what you would pay and the market price. The improved Circuit Breaker/Pharmaceutical program became effective Jan. 1, and I have just received a supply of the forms. I will be glad to make the forms available, but please call me before coming in. If you nee d assistance in filling out the form, I will be glad to help you. I am in the office from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you have noticed an increase in your gas bill, help is on the way with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Income qualifications have increased because of the escalating energy prices. A one-person househol d's maximum income is $1,044 per month, and atwo-person household's maximum is $1,406. The program provides relief for gas and electricity bills. People older than 65 may call me for an appointment to apply for this progr am. Each year several DuPage County organizations come together to prepare an excellent opportunity for us to address important senior issues. The 15th Annual DuPage County Legislative Forum for Seniors and Caregivers will t ake place from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 2. The topic this year is "Family Caregivers," addressed by keynote speaker Denise Brown from the Center for Family Caregivers. This forum will emphasize to our representatives the need for caregiver support services. Take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and be heard by your state legislator. Come to the Older Adult Institute in Building K on the campus of the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. The forum is sponsored by the DuPage Senior Citizens Council, DuPage County Senior Services, the DuPage County Health Department, Metropolitan Family Servi ces, the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging, the Older Women's League and the Tri-Town YMCA. There is no charge for the program, and reservations are not required. Call Linda at (630) 293-5990 for more information . MetLife is again sponsoring its Heartline Valentine's Day Party for senior citizens. In addition to refreshments and entertainment, Heartline 2001 will provide a free long-distance phone call to anywhere in the country. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 10 at MetLife's Aurora head office, at 177 S. Commons Drive in Aurora. The drive is off Route 34 just south of Fox Valley Center. There is no charge to participate, and reservations are not required. Call (630) 978-6033 for more information. Questions for Ginnie Boyle? Write to her at Naperville Township Senior Services, 139 Water St., Naperville, IL 60540; or call her at (630) 357-8058. She is in the office from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 01/24/01 http://www.copleynewspapers.com/sunpub/naper/city/boyle0124.htm ************* [log in to unmask]