Jan's Plans & Pans - October 31, 2024

A fundamental building block of our democracy is the right of American citizens to vote and choose their representatives. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th. If you need information on your polling place, or would like to locate a ballot drop box location, please go to Elections.IL.Gov. I encourage everyone to make their voice heard if you have not already. 

I would also like to take some time to remember the life of my treasured friend, Former Evanston Alderwoman Delores Holmes. The Evanston community has lost a kind and gracious leader, a fierce advocate, and a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Delores Holmes was a pillar in our community for well over half a century.

Not only was Delores an active member of the Foster Senior Club and the cherished Alderwoman from the 5th ward for 12 years, but she also worked alongside Bernice Weissbourd as the Director of Family Focus, a social service agency designed to assist children and families in our community, for roughly 27 years.

My heart breaks for her family and all those who loved her. She will be deeply missed by all corners of the Evanston community and beyond. Her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Take care,

Schakowsky Takes on Big Pharma at Senate Judiciary Committee Field Hearing 

For too long, federal laws have allowed Big Pharma to run rogue and rake in record profits while everyday Americans struggle to afford their lifesaving medications. The days of Big Pharma gouging consumers are numbered. Everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care. Click here to watch the clip.

Schakowsky Secures Funding for Crystal Lake

Help is on the way, Crystal Lake! U.S. Representative Bill Foster and I secured over $1 million to re-establish Crystal Creek to alleviate the flow of stormwater and floodwater. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is bringing home the funds needed to make improvements in our community!

Schakowsky Speaks with Seniors at Admiral at the Lake in Chicago

As the Co-Chair of the House Democratic Task Force on Aging & Families, I assured the seniors I spoke to at Admiral at the Lake that I have legislation to protect and expand hard-earned, lifesaving Social Security benefits.

Schakowsky Visits National Alliance on Mental Illness in McHenry County

Every person deserves access to quality, affordable health care, including mental health care. Thank you to everyone at the National Alliance on Mental Illness in McHenry County for the support you provide to individuals with mental health conditions. Your no cost services are making a huge difference in our community.

Schakowsky Celebrates the Life of Former Alderwoman Mary Ann Smith

My friend, former 48th Ward Alderwoman Mary Ann Smith, was deeply committed to her community. From improving our schools, to creating green spaces, and protecting our waterways, Mary Ann always prioritized her constituents. It was a beautiful weekend to celebrate her life.

My district office helped a constituent obtain a refund from Medicare:

"I would like to sincerely thank Representative Schakowsky’s office for helping me resolve an issue with a Medicare refund. I worked for over a year to get the refund on my own to no avail. After reaching complete frustration with Medicare, I called Rep. Schakowsky’s office as a last resort. 

I was so pleasantly surprised to reach her office and to be treated with respect and kindness. Her office contacted me when they said they would and listened to my problem and knew exactly what to do. Within one week of contacting her office, I received my refund. I could not believe it! What a relief. Navigating government offices can be difficult and frustrating. It's great to know that Rep. Schakowsky’s office is there to lend a helping hand."

LDM 
IL 09 Constituent 

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

Medicare Part D open enrollment started on October 15th and runs through December 7th. New plans will begin on January 1st, 2025 and will be closed to changes until October 2025. I would like to get the message out to as many people as possible that they need to be looking at the Annual Notice of Change packets they just received from their current Medicare Part D plans. These are required to be sent out to all current Medicare Part D plan members and contain all changes to their plans’ premiums, co-pays, and deductibles for the upcoming year.

Why does this matter?
Each year, Medicare Part D plans may increase their premiums, co-pays, and deductibles to make up this loss of revenue. There may be changes to your 2024 plan next year making it much more expensive in 2025.

If you do not review your current plan during the Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7th) and just allow it to roll over, you may be surprised to see some costly changes. The next time you will be able to fix this will be October of 2025, effective in January of 2026!

You have a chance to address this. You can make an appointment with your local SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) counselor and schedule an appointment to review your current plan. SHIP can be reached at (800) 252-8966 or you can find your closest SHIP counselor by visiting the SHIP page on the Illinois Department on Aging website here. 

A few minutes now can save a lot later!

Passport Renewal

Remember to check your passport validity before booking any summer travel plans! Current processing times for passports are: 4-6 weeks for routine and 2-3 weeks for expedited. These times are subject to change and are posted on the Dept. of State Website.  Please apply well in advance of your travel date – if your travel date is sooner than the current processing times, you may not get your passport in time for travel.

Please remember that emergency in-person appointments at the Chicago Passport Agency are intended for emergencies and availability is not guaranteed unless it is a life or death emergency! These appointments are not and have never been intended for routine renewal. If you have upcoming travel you should NOT plan on receiving an appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency. Passport renewals are intended to go through the mail. 

Did you know that many countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your date of travel? Depending on your destination, validity requirements can vary from 3 to 6 months beyond the date of travel! You can check the requirements for your destination on the Dept. of State Website under "International Travel" and "Country Information".

If you have planned travel and have a pending application that may not arrive on time, or if you need an emergency appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency, the Constituent Advocates in my District Office are happy to help! Please call the office at 773-506-7100, or you can open a case with my office online.