July 1, 2005

To the Editor:

Dear Editor:

Earlier this week, Gov. Blagojevich signed the state’s first-ever “No Senior Left Behind” law, which he touts as a safety net that will protect seniors in Illinois from the shortfalls created by the federal prescription drug program.

While we applaud the governor for his leadership on assisting older adults afford their much-needed prescription drugs, we are concerned for the health and well-being of the state’s elderly, Medicaid-dependent residents because:

As of August 1, 2005, the Illinois Department of Public Aid (IDPA) will discontinue Medicaid coverage of many common, yet vital, over-the-counter drugs, including pain relievers, laxatives, iron replacements and artificial tears.  And, as of September 1, 2005, IDPA will discontinue Medicaid payment for acid reducers and wound care dressings.

Gov. Blagojevich proclaimed July as “Health Care Month,” saying, “We are making sure we don’t leave any of our senior citizens behind.”  If this truly is the case, our state lawmakers would not be choosing to stop paying for pharmaceuticals that Illinois’ Medicaid-dependent residents, many who live in nursing homes, so desperately need to heal.

We urge you to call Gov. Blagojevich and IDPA director Barry Maram to tell them to stop these detrimental cutbacks.

Sincerely,

Terrence P. Sullivan, executive director
Illinois Council on Long Term Care
773-478-6613