Rep. Mulligan Starts Year Off Assisting Senior Citizens

January 5, 2001

Des Plaines… Ringing in the new year with increased prescription assistance, additional seniors will be eligible for the state of Illinois' model Senior Circuit Breaker Program, according to State Representative Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des Plaines).

New legislation taking affect January 1, 2001 will allow more seniors in Illinois access to the program by raising the income level required to receive benefits. The new income level will increase from $16,000 annually to $21,218 for one person, and up to $28,480 for couples.

"Prescription drug coverage has been a major concern of my constituents," said Mulligan, one of the bill's sponsors. "Including more middle-class seniors in to the Circuit Breaker program will provide needed relief to many area seniors."

In addition to raising the income eligibility level, the new legislation allows participants up to $2,000 in free prescription drugs annually and adds to the list of covered prescriptions. Over 500,000 seniors are expected to now be eligible for prescription drug coverage and property tax grants.

For more information or an application form, please contact Representative Mulligan at (847) 297-6533.