Senior Health Assistance Program

Senior Health Assistance Program. (a) The Senior Health Assistance Program is created within the Department on Aging, to become operational within 90 days after the effective date of this Act. The Senior Health Assistance Program shall provide outreach and education to senior citizens on available prescription drug coverage and discount programs. (b) The Senior Health Assistance Program shall operate a Clearinghouse for all information regarding prescription drug coverage programs available to senior citizens in Illinois. The Clearinghouse shall operate in conjunction with the Department's toll-free senior information program. (c) The purposes of the Clearinghouse include, but are not limited to: (1) Maintaining information on public and private prescription assistance programs for Illinois seniors. (2) Educating citizens on available public and private prescription assistance programs. (3) Educating seniors on how to make an informed decision about participation in prescription drug assistance programs. (d) The Clearinghouse has the following duties: (1) Provide a one-stop resource for all information for seniors regarding public and private prescription drug discount and coverage programs. (2) Perform outreach and education activities on public and private prescription drug discount and coverage programs. (3) Maintain a toll-free telephone number staffed by trained customer service representatives. (4) Maintain measurable data to identify the progress and success of the program, including, but not limited to, the number of individuals served, the type of assistance received, and overall program evaluation. (e) The Department shall work cooperatively with other Departments that fund senior health assistance, including assistance with prescription drugs, to ensure maximum coordination. (Source: P.A. 92-594, eff. 6-27-02.)