FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• Q: How can I keep my property tax costs down?
• A: There are several options available to seniors age 65 and older:
  
  Circuit Breaker: If you pay property taxes or mobile home taxes on your home; or if you rent; or if you live in a nursing, retirement, or shelter care home that was subject to property taxes; you may be eligible for a yearly property tax grant called Circuit Breaker. This is available to seniors with a household income under $22,218 ($29,480 for a household of two).This program also allows a discount on your automobile license plate. You can find out more information at the Circuit Breaker/Illinois Cares Rx web site or you can call DuPage County Senior Services at (630) 407-6500.
  
  Senior Homestead Exemption: When you (or your spouse) turns 65, the Senior Homestead Exemption will allow annual savings on property taxes regardless of income. Contact the DuPage County Supervisor of Assessments at (630) 407-5858 to apply.
  
  Property Tax Deferral: Property owners who have a total household income of $50,000, or less; fire and casualty insurance; and no delinquent real estate taxes, may elect to defer all or part of their property tax payments. Taxes would be repaid once the home is sold or when the taxpayer dies, with interest at 6% annum. Contact the Office of the DuPage County Treasurer at (630) 407-5900.
  
  Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption: This exemption freezes the equalized assessed value of an individual's property at the base amount and prevents any increase due to inflation. The base year is the year prior to the year you first qualify and apply for the exemption. The assessment freeze exemption does not freeze the amount of your property tax bill, which will still increase if the tax rate increases. Your assessment and tax bill may also increase if you add improvements to your home. To be eligible, you must be 65 years of age or older and have a total household income of no more than $55,000 in the previous calendar year. You must apply by October 1 with the DuPage County Supervisor of Assessments at (630) 407-5858.
  
  Mobile Home Exemption: Seniors who live in mobile homes, which do not have permanent foundations, are eligible for a 20 percent reduction in the mobile home privilege tax. Call the DuPage County Clerk's office at (630) 407-5540.   

• Q: Where do I go to find in-home help?
• A: Home health care may be a cost-effective alternative to nursing facility placement. These services can include homemaker and/or companion services, nursing care, speech, physical and occupational therapy, and medical social services. These services may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private health, or long-term care insurance. Always check with your insurance carrier for coverage benefits. A list of Home Health Care Agencies can be requested from DuPage County Senior Citizen Services at (630) 407-6500 or 1 (800) 942-9412. 
  
  In addition, DuPage County administers the Community Care Program, a state subsidized program that offers adult day care, emergency response systems (pg 58), and homemaker services that provide assistance to frail older adults who are at least 60 years of age and who meet eligibility guidelines (based on need and financial resources). Homemakers assist clients with light housekeeping, laundry, personal care, meal preparation, shopping, and transportation. Fees are based on income and are calculated on a sliding scale. For additional information, or to request an application, please contact DuPage County Senior Citizen Services at (630) 407-6500, or 1 (800) 942-9412, (630) 407-6502 (TDD).

• Q: Where can I find help with home chores & repairs?
• A: DuPage Senior Citizens Council (DSCC) provides minor home repairs to seniors, age 60 and older, in DuPage County at a reduced rate. Home repairs like plumbing, cleaning gutters, minor electrical repairs, or installing safety equipment such as grab bars are just some of the varied services offered. In addition, Chore Days sponsored by the DSCC are held in participating communities for outside chores such as raking leaves, gardening, trimming shrubs, snow removal, and other yard tasks. For information call (630) 620-0804.

• Q: What types of housing are available for seniors?
• A: Housing options for seniors are diverse and plentiful. When considering the alternatives, you will be guided by your financial situation, location, health, and long term needs. See a description of some residential options  here. You may also download a copy of our Senior Housing Directory here or contact DuPage County Senior Citizen Services at (630) 407-6500 or 1 (800) 942-9412.

• Q: I read that you provide "Choices for Care" home visits. What is that?
• A:  Choices for Care is a program that helps families discover their options for long term care.  A trained, professional case manager will provide a free consultation that includes an assessment of your needs, a review of service options and costs, and assistance in developing your plan of care.  An array of services are discussed including services such as homemaker, home health, home delivered meals, emergency response, adult day services and nursing facility care. The case manager will ask you questions about your ability to perform certain tasks, such as cleaning, preparing meals, personal care and your ability to get around. They will then help to identify your needs and give you options you can choose that are appropriate and affordable.  There is no charge for this service.  To learn more about Choices for Care, or to arrange for a free assessment, if you live in DuPage County call DuPage County Senior Citizen Services at (630) 407-6500 or 1-800-942-9412.  For residents of other areas in Illinois, call the Illinois Department on Aging at 1-800-252-8966.

• Q: What is Medicare Part D and how does it work?
• A: Medicare part D is an insurace plan that assists in paying for your prescriptions. If you have Medicare Part A and/or Part B, you can get Medicare D by purchasing a prescription drug plan (PDP) from a private company. You will continue to get Medicare coverage for your other medical services, such as doctor visits and hospital stays, through Medicare Parts A and B. The open enrollment period for Medicare Part D is November 15 to December 31 of any year. For more information about Medicare Part D go to the Medicare web site or contact DuPage County Senior Citizen Services at (630) 407-6500. For help choosing a medicare drug plan click here.
  
  Another option is to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan (also known as Medicare Part C), like an HMO or PPO, that offers medical and hospital benefits in addition to drug coverage. You can enroll between November 15, 2005 and May 15, 2006 and change plans once a year between November 15 and December 31. Contact your preferred insurance company.

• Q: Do I have to join a Medicare drug plan?
• A: Enrollment is voluntary but should be seriously considered. There is a 1% per month penalty added to the premium if enrollment is delayed beyond initial eligibility. Please note that those individuals with coverage through other resources such as the VA or private pension plans are exempt from this penalty while they continue to carry acceptable coverage. Though many older adults may not be taking any regular prescription medication upon enrolling in Medicare Part D, that is likely to change with age.

• Q: Is there help with paying for Medicare Part D or prescriptions in general?
• A: Yes, there are several options for seniors who want to receive prescription discounts. Some are:
  
  Illinois Cares Rx is part of the Circuit Breaker property tax relief program and offers two different options, Basic and Plus. Both options will pay monthly premiums for a coordinating Medicare drug plan, annual deductibles, and will help pay other drug costs. You must apply each year to qualify. There are two ways to enroll:
  1. File your application on the Internet at www.cbrx.il.gov.
  2. Fill out and mail the paper Form, IL-1363, to the Illinois Department on Aging. To obtain Form IL-1363, call the Senior HelpLine at 1 (800) 252-8966, 1 (888) 206-1327 (TTY) or download the form here.
  
  There are eligibility requirements for Illinois Cares Rx. For eligibility information, go to www.illinoiscaresrx.com or call DuPage County Senior Services at (630) 407-6500.
  
  Illinois Rx Buying Club provides, on average, a 20% discount on both generic and brand name drugs from a Preferred Drug List. There is a $10 non-refundable annual administrative fee. For eligibility information and to apply, call 1 (866) 215-3462, 1 (866) 215-3479 (TTY) or download an application at www.illinoisrxbuyingclub.com.
  
  DuPage County Prescription Drug Cards are available to all county residents through Caremark. The discount card is free, provides an average of 20% off retail prices, and is accepted at 57,000 pharmacies nationwide. Some pet medications may be covered. For information, visit the Caremark website at www2.caremark.com/naco/, phone toll free to 1 (877) 321-2652 or call DuPage County Senior Services at (630) 407-6500 or 1 (800) 942-9412 for locations where these discount cards are available .
  
  AIDS Drug Assistance Program provides assistance to persons who are HIV positive and not eligible for Medicaid. For more information, contact 1 (800) 825-3518 or visit www.idph.state.il.us.
  
  Veterans may receive their prescription drugs from a VA facility for free or at a reduced rate. For the nearest location of your local Veterans Affairs office or VA facility, call 1 (800) 827-1000 or visit www.va.gov.
  
  Retail/Mail Order Discount Prescription Program information, as well as
  More information on all of the programs listed above can be found at www.dupageco.org/seniorsvcs/directory/srd.

 For General Information about Medicare Part D, please contact: