Social Security
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

Social Security is an income benefit, usually collected by retirees, for individuals aged 62 and older who have attained at least 40 credits from the Social Security Administration while they were employed. Disability and survivor’s benefits are available for people younger than age 62.

In January 2008, Social Security benefits increased by 2.3 percent.

Earnings Limitations – Survivors and retirement benefits may be affected for working people ...

• Working people receiving Social Security survivors or retirement benefits and who are between ages 62 and the Full Retirement Age (see the “Full Retirement Age” chart below) can earn up to $13,560 in 2008 without penalty. After earning this amount, $1 is withheld from benefits for every $2 earned.
• Working people who reach Full Retirement Age (see the “Full Retirement Age” chart below) during 2008 can earn up to $36,120 without penalty. After earning this amount prior to the month that their Full Retirement Age is attained, $1 is withheld for every $3 earned. Income earned in and after the month that the Full Retirement Age is attained this year is earned without penalty.
• Working people who have attained Full Retirement Age (see the “Full Retirement Age” chart below) prior to the start of the year receive their benefits with no amount withheld no matter how much they earn in wages.

Early retirement can still begin as early as age 62, but your benefit amount will be reduced. The amount of the reduction is based on when you were born and how early you start your retirement.

Full Retirement Age is the age of retirement for which you receive full Social Security retirement benefits. This age will gradually increase in steps from age 65 to age 67 for new retirees (note that Full Retirement Age to receive survivor’s benefits is slightly different from this chart). Use the chart below to determine Full Retirement Age for retirees –

Use this link to view the Social Security Administration’s final rules on Full Retirement Age (you must have an Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this link).

Increased retirement benefits are obtained if you work past your Full Retirement Age as described above.

Before choosing your retirement date you should contact the Social Security Administration about 3 months prior to the date you would like to retire to make sure you understand the options that are available and to determine the best month in which to start collecting benefits. You can apply in person at a local Social Security office, by phone at 1.800.772.1213, or on-line. To apply for retirement benefits, you’ll need your Social Security number, birth certificate, most recent year’s W-2 forms, and the name of your bank or other financial institution and your checking account number in order to start the direct deposit of retirement benefits into your account. Other documents will be needed for non-citizens and to receive survivor’s benefits.

Use this link for more information.

Medicare Part A
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

Hospitalization insurance for people aged 65 and older and individuals of any age who receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for two or more years. Coverage includes inpatient hospitalization, critical access hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care (but not long-term nursing home care), home health care, and hospice.

Most people should apply for Medicare at age 65 even if they decide to delay their retirement date (unless they are covered by their employer’s group health insurance). Most people do not pay a monthly Part A premium (see “Part A premium buy-in” below for those who did not work enough to earn the required 40 credits of Medicare coverage).

Hospital deductible – in 2007 you pay:
A total of $1,024 for days 1-60.
$256 per day for days 61-90.
$512 per day for days 91-150 (these 60 “reserve days” may only be used once in your lifetime).
You pay all costs for each day beyond 150 days.

Skilled nursing facility (This is not the same as long-term nursing home care. You must be hospitalized under Part A coverage for at least three consecutive days for the same illness prior to admission to the Medicare-approved SNF) – you pay:
$0 for days 1-20.
$128 per day for days 21-100.
You pay all costs for each day beyond 100 days.

Home health care - is free, if approved, limited to medically necessary part-time skilled care of a homebound individual.

Hospice - is free but you pay $5 for outpatient drugs and 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care.

Blood - obtained while hospitalized is free after you pay for the first 3 pints.

In-patient mental illness claims – in 2008 you pay:
A total of $1,024 for days 1-60 for each “benefit period.”
$256 per day for days 61-90.
$512 per day for days 91-150 (these 60 “reserve days” may only be used once in your lifetime).
You pay all costs for each day beyond 150 days.
A “benefit period” begins when the patient is hospitalized and ends when the patient has been discharged out of such facility for 60 consecutive days. Although there is no limit to the number of benefit periods that Medicare will cover in a general hospital, there is a lifetime maximum benefit of 190 days that Medicare will pay for stays in a “psychiatric” hospital. Therefore, when their 190 days in a psychiatric hospital is completed, many patients choose to receive treatment in the “psychiatric ward” of a general hospital which Medicare will cover.

Part A premium buy-in for 2008. Most retirees & their spouses (about 99 percent) do not pay a monthly Part A premium. However, for people who did not work enough to earn 40 credits of Medicare coverage, there is a Part A buy-in premium. The Part A buy-in premium for people with 30-39 credits of Medicare coverage is $233 per month, and for people with less than 30 credits the premium is $423 per month.

These figures change in January 2009.

Use this link for more information.

Medicare Part B
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

Medical insurance for people aged 65 and older and individuals of any age who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for two or more years. Coverage includes physician care, out-patient hospital care, some services of home health care that Part A doesn’t cover, physical & occupational therapy, preventative services, durable medical equipment, laboratory tests and x-rays, mental health services, ambulance services, and blood.

Most people should apply for Medicare at age 65 even if they decide to delay their retirement date (unless they are covered by their employer’s group health insurance). If someone fails to apply for Medicare at age 65 (there is a 7-month window to apply for the first time), they can enroll in Part B only during the open enrollment period each year, from January 1 to March 31 and in some instances, the monthly Part B premiums may be more than the amount shown below.

Part B premium depends on the beneficiaries income (see chart below).

Part B deductible in 2008 is $135 per year.

Part B co-pay is 20% of approved charges after the deductible is met. You may pay more if your doctor or medical supplier doesn’t accept assignment or Medicare doesn’t find the procedure to be medically necessary. Ask first!

Durable medical Equipment - is 20% co-pay for the approved amount. You may pay more if the medical supplier doesn’t accept assignment or Medicare doesn’t find the procedure to be medically necessary. Ask first!

Laboratory services - are free for approved amounts.

Outpatient hospital services - you pay a set co-payment amount depending on the service.

Out-patient mental illness claims - you pay 50% of the approved amount.

Blood - you pay for the first 3 pints, then 20% of the approved amount for additional pints of blood after meeting the deductible.

Prevention care - includes initial routine physical examination for new enrollees, bone mass measurements, cardiovascular screening, colorectal cancer screening, diabetes services, glaucoma testing, pap and pelvic examination, prostate cancer screening, mammograms, flu shots, pneumococcal shot, Hepatitis B shots, and smoking cessation counseling. Cost depends on which service.

Medicare Part B changes –

1. The Part B deductible will increase annually by the same percentage as the annual Medicare Part B premium increase (for example, if the annual Part B premium increases 5%, then the Part B deductible will increase by 5%, also). The Part B deductible is estimated to increase to $166 by 2013.
2. Beginning in 2007, the annual premium will depend on the beneficiaries' incomes.
3. Beneficiaries can appeal if their family situation has changed e.g., death of spouse, divorce.
4. Medicare provides an initial voluntary physical when someone becomes eligible for Medicare.
5. Part B covers new preventive benefits: screening for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and treatment in the home of primary immune deficiency diseases, and provides a disease management program to assist beneficiaries with chronic illnesses.

These figures change in January 2009.

Use this link for more information.

Medicare Part C
Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans are available for anyone with Medicare, regardless of income or age. There are many different plans available in Illinois. These plans are approved by Medicare, but administered by private companies.

When you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you are still in Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans provide all of your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage and must cover medically-necessary services. They generally offer extra benefits, and many include Part D drug coverage. These plans often have networks, which means you may have to see doctors who belong to the plan or go to certain hospitals to get covered services.

Medicare Advantage Plans include Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS), and Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans.

Use this link to view more detailed information about Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage Plans.

Medicare Part D

Medicare prescription drug plans are available for anyone with Medicare, regardless of income or age. There are many different drug plans available in Illinois. These drug plans are approved by Medicare, but administered by private companies.

When you join a Medicare prescription drug plan, you are still in Medicare. Prescription drug plans provide assistance with some or all of your medication needs, depending on which plan you choose.

Use this link to view more detailed information about Medicare Part D - Medicare prescription drug coverage.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
or QMB
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

QMB pays Medicare Part A deductible and co-pay amounts and the Part B premiums, deductible, and co-pay amounts. The applicant must be enrolled in at least Medicare Part A. Medicare Part B premiums are deducted from beneficiaries’ Social Security checks each month. If a Medicare beneficiary is approved for QMB, their Social security check will be raised by the Part B premium amount. Apply at a local Illinois Dept. of Human Services office.

1 person household, $892 income per month, $4,000 countable assets.
2 person household, $1,192 income per month, $6,000 countable assets.
Add $290 for each additional person in a household.

The monthly income limits are 100% of the poverty level plus $25. Income limits may differ from state to state. These figures change in March 2009.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
or SLMB or SLIB
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

SLMB or SLIB pays the Medicare Part B premium for people with income higher than the QMB program. Part B premiums are deducted from beneficiaries’ Social Security checks each month. If a Medicare beneficiary is approved for SLMB, their Social security check will be raised by the Part B premium amount. Apply at a local Illinois Dept. of Human Services office.

1 person household, between $892 and $1,065 income per month, $4,000 countable assets.
2 person household, between $1,192 and $1,425 income per month, $6,000 countable assets.
Add $348 for each additional person in a household.

The monthly income limits are 120% of the poverty level plus $25 which is disregarded income in Illinois. Income limits may differ from state to state. These figures change in March 2009.

Qualifying Individual
or QI program
(Updated for 2008 on 2/08)

The QI program pays Medicare Part B premium for people with income higher than the SLMB or SLIB program (see above). Part B premiums are deducted from beneficiaries’ Social Security checks each month. If a Medicare beneficiary is approved for QI, their Social security check will be raised by the Part B premium amount. The beneficiary cannot be on Medicaid, however being on spend-down may not count as being on Medicaid. Apply at a local Illinois Dept. of Human Services office. This program was extended by Congress through June 30, 2008 (per SB2499).

1 person household, between $1,065 and $1,195 income per month, $4,000 countable assets.
2 person household, between $1,425 and $1,600 income per month, $6,000 countable assets.
Add $392 for each additional person in a household.

The monthly income limits are 135% of the poverty level plus $25 which is disregarded income (other than SSI income) in Illinois. Income limits may differ from state to state. These figures change in March 2009.

Qualified Disabled Working Individual
or QDWI
(Corrected for 2008 on 2/08)

QDWI pays Medicare Part A monthly premium (but not co-insurance or deductible) for working disabled people. To be eligible, the beneficiary must be a disabled individual who lost Medicare Part A benefits due to a returned to work and not otherwise eligible for Medicaid benefits. Apply at a local Illinois Dept. of Human Services office.

1 person household, $1,753 income per month, $4,000 countable assets.
2 person household, $2,353 income per month, $6,000 countable assets.
Add $580 for each additional person in a household.

The monthly income limits are 200% of the poverty level plus $20 of earned wages which is disregarded earned income in Illinois. These figures change in March 2009.

Poverty Level
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

Many programs use these figures (or a multiplied percentage of these figures) in determining eligibility including the Food Stamp Program or Illinois LINK Card, QMB, SLMB, QI-1, QDWI, Medicaid, Energy Assistance or LIHEAP, and Weatherization program. The income guidelines for the programs listed on this Web page will be changed when each program publishes its own income guidelines. In general, that the public cash assistance programs, such as TANF or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, SSI or Supplemental Security Income, and the Earned Income Tax Credit program, do NOT use these figures in determining eligibility.

1 person household, $10,400 per year ($866.67 per month).
2 person household, $14,000 per year ($1,166.67 per month).
Add $3,600 per year for each additional person in a household ($300 per month).

These figures are for the 48 contiguous states and District of Columbia. These figures change in March 2009.

Medicaid
Aid to the Aged, Blind & Disabled or AABD
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

Medical assistance for the older adults (aged 65 or older), the blind, or the disabled. This program is often used to finance nursing home care after an individual's life savings have been exhausted. Use the following link to view eligibility information for immigrants and foreign nationals. All SSI income is disregarded. Any non-SSI income over the limits will be counted as a spend down amount. Apply at a county office of the Illinois Dept. of Human Services.

1 person household, limit are $892 income per month, $2,000 countable assets.
2 person household, limits are $1,192 income per month, $3,000 countable assets.
Add $300 income per month for each additional person.

The monthly income limits represent 100% of the poverty level plus $25 which is disregarded income in Illinois. These figures change in March 2009 when the poverty level changes.

Use this link to view the DHS Cash, Food Stamps, & Medical Manual.

Prevention of Spousal Impoverishment
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

The amount of monthly income and assets that a person can keep when their spouse enters a long term care nursing home or needs the services of the Illinois Community Care Program (CCP) and federal financial assistance is used to help pay for these services. Illinois imposes estate recovery (liens and estate claims) to recover medical and cash assistance provided on behalf of recipients. Apply at a county office of the Illinois Dept. of Human Services.

The spouse living at-home (or not receiving CCP services) keeps up to $2,610 income per month and up to $104,400 of countable assets in their name.
The spouse in a nursing home keeps $30 income per month and can have $2,000 of countable assets in their name.
The spouse receiving Community Care Program services can have $2,000 of countable assets in their name.

These figures change in January 2009.

Use this link for more information.

Supplemental Security Income
or SSI
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

Supplemental income for older adults (aged 65 or older), the blind, and the disabled. The benefit amount is that amount which brings these individual’s total income up to $637 for individuals and up to $956 for couples for those who have less income than these amounts. Apply at a county office of the Illinois Dept. of Human Services.

1 person household, $657 income per month, $2,000 countable assets.
2 person household, $976 income per month, $3,000 countable assets.
Please note that an additional $20 or more may be is disregarded, depending on the source of the income.

These figures change in January 2009.

Energy Assistance
or LIHEAP
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

Helps pay for heating bills. First 2 months of program (Sept. 1 through Oct. 30) are set aside for eligible people aged 60 or older and the disabled. Need proof of household gross income for last 30 days, current energy bill, Social Security number for everyone in household, TANF medical card for anyone receiving benefits, and either proof of home ownership and insurance or rental agreement or receipt which shows the amount of rent. The benefit amount is based on the eligible household’s income, amount of utility bills, and type of heating source. The average benefit amount is approximately $400-500 per household. Use this link to find out where to apply.

1 person household, $1,300 income per month.
2 person household, $1,750 income per month.
Add $450 for each additional person over age 18 in the household.

The monthly income limits are 150% of the poverty level. These figures change based on the new poverty figures.

Weatherization Program
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

Helps to weatherize or insulate a home, and possible help with a heating system. Rental homes are eligible with restrictions. Must be eligible for LIHEAP or receiving SSI, AABD, or TANF. Use this link to find out where to apply.

1 person household, $1,083 per month.
2 person household, $1,458 per month.
Add $375 for each additional person over age 18 in the household.

The monthly income limits are 125% of the poverty level. These figures change based on the new poverty figures.

Senior Employment Assistance
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

Helps senior adults, aged 55 and over, find employment. Use this link for more information.

1 person household, $13,000 per year.
2 person household, $17,500 per year.
Add $4,500 per year for each additional person in a household.

The monthly income limits are 125% of the poverty level. Poverty level figures change in March 2009.

PROGRAMS IN ILLINOIS

Circuit Breaker & Illinois Cares Rx
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

Circuit Breaker & Illinois Cares Rx programs are for Illinois residents who meet the guidelines below. Benefits include property tax grants (if paid Illinois property tax, or paid rent or lived in a nursing facility which paid these taxes), reduced cost for one set of Illinois auto license plates (cost is $24, a rebate is available if you are eligible and paid the normal cost), and help with prescription drugs. Apply with the Illinois Dept. on Aging, Illinois Senior HelpLine, local legislator’s office, local senior center, or contact us.

Eligible people are those aged 65 & older, widow or widower who turned 63 before their spouse’s death who was eligible, and disabled individuals aged 16 or older. Applicants can apply in the calendar year they turn age 65. Also, the following income guidelines must be met.

For property tax grants and reduced cost for one set of auto license, the income guidelines are:
1 person household, below $22,218 annual income.
2 person household, below $29,480 annual income.
3 or more person household, below $36,740 annual income.

For Illinois Cares Rx Basic (only drugs for 10 conditions), the income guidelines are:
1 person household, below $24,808 annual income.
2 person household, below $32,916 annual income.
3 or more person household, below $41,023 annual income.

For Illinois Cares Rx Plus (all Medicare eligible drugs), the income guidelines are:
1 person household, below $23,225 annual income.
2 or more person household, below $31,264 annual income.
ILCRx Plus is a supplement to Medicare prescription drug coverage. ILCRx Plus pays the monthly premium for Medicare beneficiaries, and some of the co-pay for prescription drugs when the beneficiary is enrolled in a drug plan that coordinates with Illinois Cares Rx. There is a 20% co-pay on prescription drugs after Illinois Cares Rx has paid $1,750 for the beneficiary’s drugs during a calendar year.
The amounts for IL Cares Rx Plus may change when the poverty levels change.

Applicant’s income from the previous year (or current estimated income if lower) is used to determine eligibility.

Use this link for more information.

Community Care Program
(Updated through June 2008 on 5/07)

Adult Day Services, Assisted Living Demo, Choices for Care (alternatives to nursing home placement), Homemaker, and Senior Companion services for people aged 60 or older (use this link for Office of Rehab if disabled and under age 60). There are no income limits for eligibility, but there is a co-pay for individuals with an income greater than $851 per month ($867 in July), and couples with an income greater than $1,141 per month ($1,167 in July). Apply with the Illinois Dept. on Aging by calling the Senior HelpLine at 1.800.252.8966. Use this link to apply in Southern Illinois.

Eligible persons may have up to $17,500 in countable assets, unless Prevention of Spousal Impoverishment applies.
Many agencies offer private pay homemaker services to anyone regardless of their income or assets.

The co-pay exempt income figures change in July 2008.

Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities
or HBWD
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

HBWD provides the working disabled person, ages 16 through 64, with full Medicaid health care benefits. Depending on their income, disabled workers pay a monthly premium that ranges from $0 to $100 to receive the full range of Medicaid services. Apply at a local Illinois Dept. of Human Services office or online.

1 person household, $1,733 income per month, $10,000 countable assets.
2 person household, $2,333 income per month, $10,000 countable assets.
Add $600 for each additional person in a household.

The monthly income limits are 200% of the poverty level. These figures change in March 2009.

Homestead Exemptions & Real Estate Tax Payment Deferral
(Updated 7/07, these rarely change)

Apply for the following homestead exemptions at your county tax assessor’s office to help with county property taxes.

The Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption is a $3,500 reduction of the assessed value of the home in which you own and live in Illinois if you are aged 65 or older.

The General Homestead Exemption is in addition to the exemption above and allows a reduction of up to $5,000 in assessed value of your home in which you own and live in Illinois (for taxpayers of any age).

The Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption freezes the assessed value of your homestead property, not the taxes you owe. You must be aged 65 or older, own and live in your home in Illinois, and pay taxes on the property. Your total household income must be no more than $50,000 per year. This exemption must be renewed annually. Use this link for more information.

The Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Payment Deferral program defers the payment of all or part of your Illinois property taxes. A lien is placed against your home (up to 80% of your equity interest) and your property taxes must be paid, with 6% interest, when your property is sold from your or your spouse’s estate upon death or when you no longer qualify for this program. You must be aged 65 or older with an income of no more than $50,000 per year. Apply at the county clerk’s office.

Reduction of Mobile Home Taxes by 20 percent for individuals aged 65 and older or disabled, who reside in the mobile home, and who hold title to the mobile home under the Illinois Vehicle Code. Apply at the county clerk or local tax assessor’s office.

Illinois LINK Card
or Food Stamps
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

Financial assistance with food purchases. Use the following link to view eligibility information for immigrants and foreign nationals. Apply at a county office of the Illinois Dept. of Human Services.

1 person household, $1,107 gross income per month, $2,000 countable assets ($3,000 if age 60 or older).
2 person household, $1,484 gross income per month, $2,000 countable assets ($3,000 if at least 1 household member is age 60 or older).
These figures change in October 2008.

Household income may be higher for certain elderly disabled people. Some people may only be subject to specified “net” income guidelines.

Use this link to view the DHS Cash, Food Stamps, & Medical Manual, or
Use this link to view more information about the Illinois LINK card.
Use this link for more information.

Illinois Rx Buying Club
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

Illinois Rx Buying Club is for all Illinois residents who are uninsured. The Illinois Rx Buying Club card will save members an average of 24 percent on their prescription drug purchases when they purchase drugs from a preferred drug list (virtually all prescribed drugs).

• There is an annual $10 fee for the savings card.
• An application is available online by using this link.

1 person household, $2,600 income per month.
2 person household, $3,500 income per month.
Add $900 per month for each additional person in household.

The monthly income limits are 300% of the poverty level. These figures change in March 2009.

Illinois Volunteer Money Management Program
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

For senior adults who need help managing their finances and paying their bills. Tasks include opening and organizing mail, setting up a household budget, balancing a checkbook, paying bills, and/or serving as a Social Security representative payee. Volunteers are bonded and supervised. Call the Illinois Senior HelpLine at 1.800.252.8966 or use this link to find where to apply in Southern Illinois.

1 person household, $23,475 income per year, $30,000 “liquid assets” as defined by AARP.
2 person household, $33,217 income per year, $30,000 “liquid assets.”
Add $5,000 to income and asset levels listed above for people who are victims of documented elder abuse.
These figures change in January 2009.

Many areas of the state, including Southern Illinois, offer this service for a small fee to individuals who have incomes above these limits.

Illinois Farmers Market Coupons
(Updated for 2008 on 1/08)

Senior adults with low or moderate income can obtain coupons which can be redeemed for fresh fruit and vegetables at local farmers markets in southern Illinois from July through October. The coupons can be obtained starting in late June or early July at various area senior adult centers for use at participating farmers markets. Use this link for more information about where the coupons can be obtained and used.

Must be age 60 or over.
1 person household, $1,603 income per month.
2 person household, $2,158 income per month.
Add $555 per month for each additional person in household.

The monthly income limits are 185% of the poverty level. These figures change in March 2009.

Veterans Care
(Added 11/06)

Provides comprehensive and affordable healthcare coverage to uninsured Illinois veterans. Covers doctor and clinic visits, hospital inpatient and outpatient care, lab tests, x-rays, prescription drugs, vision care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health, and emergency medical transportation. Does not cover nursing home stays or transportation for medical care that is not for an emergency.

Must be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, have been honorably discharged, and a resident of Illinois aged 19 through age 64.
Uninsured for at least the last six months prior to application, do not qualify for VA healthcare, do not qualify for any other Illinois healthcare program.

Income meets the guidelines at this link (varies by county of residence).

Apply at any Illinois Veterans office.