More NJ seniors eligible to buy $5 generic drugs

Individuals can purchase brand-name ones for $7

By: Michael L. Diamond
Asbury Park Press
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... More low-income seniors in New Jersey are eligible for discounted pharmaceutical drugs after the state increased its income threshold in two of its longstanding subsidy programs, the Murphy administration said Thursday. [01/06/2022]
..... "Few issues have a greater financial impact on New Jersey families than the ever-increasing cost of prescription drugs," Murphy said in a statement. "Making New Jersey a more affordable place to call home means working to address the cost of prescription drug medicine."
..... The discounts are available through two programs" The Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled, or PAAD, and the Senior Gold Prescription Discount program.
..... The expansion comes as the proposed Build back better Act, a federal bill that includes a provision allowing Medicare to negotiate prices with drug makers, has stalled in Congress.
..... The Murphy administration said the state is taking steps to provide financial relief. It included $25 million in its budget this fiscal year [2021-2022] to lower the cost of health insurance and prescription drugs.
..... As part of that plan, Murphy raised the income limit by $10,000 on PAAD and the Senior Goad program. The expansion took effect January 1 [2022] and could be available to 20,000 New Jerseyans.
..... PAAD is now open to residents 65 and older and those with disabilities making up to $38,769 if they are single and $45,270 for couples. It cuts prices to $5 for covered generic drugs and $7 for covered brand-name drugs.
..... The Senior Gold Prescription Discount program is for seniors and those with disabilities making up to $48,769 if the are single and $55,270 if they are married. it offers half-priced drugs after a $15 co-pay.
..... Medicare-eligible conusmers need to be enrolled in Medicare Part D, the prescription drug plan, to participate. To fill out an application go to www.state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/services/njsave .
..... The program's expansion, was unanimously approved last year [2021] by the Assembly and the Senate. And it won an endorsement from AARP New Jersey, a consumer group that has found Americans pay three times more for prescription drugs than counterparts in other countries.
..... "Residents of all ages depend on their prescriptions, and no one should have to choose between food, medicine or rent," Evelyn Liebman, AARP New Jersey;s director of advocacy, said last year [2021] about the bill. "Prescription drugs don't work if people can't afford them. This extension will also expand eligibility for critical utility assistance programs for those most in need."

Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter who has been writing about the New Jersey economy and health care industry for more than 20 years. He can be reached at mdiamond@gannettnj.com.

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