Springfield, IL— State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D – Olympia Fields) passed legislation today in the Senate that brings much needed relief to elderly and disabled persons on Medicare. Governor Pat Quinn used an amendatory veto on the bill earlier this year, but the Senate voted to override today.

House Bill 366 amends the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act. Currently, seniors with an annual income of less than $25,000 have all their drugs covered through Illinois Cares Rx while seniors who make more than $25,000 and all people with disabilities only have 11 categories of drugs covered. House Bill 366 will provide the same comprehensive benefit and assistance with all drugs for Medicare beneficiaries eligible for Illinois Cares Rx.

Governor Quinn’s amendatory veto recommended the program included making the benefits of the Circuit Breaker Program subject to appropriation, removing the income eligibility increase scheduled for 2009, and postponing the automatic cost of living adjustment to become effective in 2013 as opposed to 2011. Also, the Governor recommended postponing the effective date on the changes to the Circuit Breaker Program from January 1, 2010 to January 1, 2012. The Governor’s recommendations stem from concerns over the State’s current fiscal crisis.

"This bill gives relief to those who otherwise may be forced to choose between food and necessary pharmaceuticals," Hutchinson said. "I have heard from countless families who would benefit from this program and we just cannot wait another year to enact this legislation. These people are in a fiscal crisis of their own."

Due to the Medicare Part D plan structure, an individual could have to pay up to 100% of their medication cost during a portion of a year. Individuals at the lowest income level receive additional help from the federal government, but those who make moderate annual incomes must be able to pay for their medications out of pocket. House Bill 366 proposes to expand the current limit of 10 categories of pharmaceutical drugs to all pharmaceutical drugs.

"I understand Governor Quinn’s concerns toward funding this program," Hutchinson said. "Unfortunately, these seniors and persons with disabilities cannot wait for help to get the medications they need to have a life of comfort. I applaud my colleagues who stood beside me in guaranteeing that a higher quality of life is ensured for all of our elderly and disable citizens."