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New Jersey expands income eligibility for prescription drug assistance for seniors and the disabled

Governor Phil Murphy announced Thursday that income limits for two prescription programs have been increased by $10,000.

The income threshold has been raised for the state’s Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled program and the Senior Gold Prescription Discount drug assistance program.

Raising the income threshold for the programs is part of the state’s fiscal year 2022 budget, and is the largest one-time increase in the history of both programs, state officials said.

The programs are available to residents 65 and older and those with disabilities. The PAAD cuts drug prices to $5 for covered generic drugs and $7 for covered name brands. Senior Gold cuts prices in half after a $15 copay for covered prescriptions. The PAAD program income limits are now $38,769 for singles and $45,270 for couples. The Senior Gold Prescription Discount program limits are now $48,769 for singles and $55,270 for couples. Assets are not an eligibility consideration for either program.

Income limits for the state’s Lifeline utility assistance program and the Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled program have also increased by $10,000.

Eligible older residents and individuals with disabilities can apply for the prescription programs through the NJSave online application, download an application from the NJSave webpage, or ask for a paper application by calling 1-800-792-9745. Online and paper applications are available in English and Spanish.

Murphy said the initiative is part of his commitment to making health care more affordable for New Jersey residents.

“Few issues have a greater financial impact on New Jersey families than the ever-increasing cost of prescription drugs,” Murphy said. “Making New Jersey a more affordable place to call home means working to address the cost of prescription drug medicine. I am extremely proud of the progress we have made with this historic benefit increase that will expand benefits to thousands of New Jerseyans.”