R.I. Government Agencies | Privacy Policy |
A Message From Corinne Calise Russo,
Director, Department of Elderly Affairs
Greetings:
Welcome to the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA) Web site.
The Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA) was established in 1977 (under RIGL 42-66-1) in response to the growing needs of elders in Rhode Island's older population.
DEA is the state’s primary agency devoted to the development, implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive system of community-based programs and services for seniors. The DEA is also designated as the state’s single planning and services area agency on aging under the provisions of the Older Americans Act. DEA, through its community partners, serves the needs of 225,000 seniors and adults with disabilities constituents.
Our mission is very simple:
To preserve the independence, dignity, and capacity for choice for seniors, adults with disabilities, families and caregivers.
Over the past few months, we have added many features to this website. The site now features a link to professional training and conference opportunities. The English and Spanish language editions of the "Pocket Manual of Elder Services" are now available on this site.
And please take a few minutes to link to "THE POINT" information and call center page. "THE POINT" is the state's new information and resource center for seniors and adults with disabilities. "THE POINT" is truly Rhode Island's portal to accessing long-term care services.
The landscape of senior services is evolving rapidly. We hope that this web site provides you with "the key" to opening the door of long term care services for Rhode Islander adults and their families.
Sincerely,
Corrine Calise Russo, Director
Beginning January 1, 2006, new federal Medicare prescription drug plans (Medicare Part D) became available to 43 million Medicare beneficiaries, including 176,000 in Rhode Island. Part D insurance plans are available to all Medicare beneficiaries.
For a monthly plan premium, as well as specified plan deductibles, co-payments and coverage gaps, if applicable, coverage is offered for both generic and brand name medications.
Medicare beneficiaries can choose from an extensive set of plan options offered by several prescription drug insurance organizations. Assistance in paying plan premiums and other expenses (Extra Help) may be available for beneficiaries with limited incomes and resources.
For information on Extra Help, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (Voice), 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) or go to www.ssa.gov.
For information on exploring Medicare Part D plan options, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227 voice) or 1-877-486-2048 (TTY), or go to www.medicare.gov.
For individual counseling regarding Medicare D plans, please make an appointment with the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselor in your area. To locate the nearest SHIP counselor, call the Department of Elderly Affairs at 462-4000 or THE POINT at 462-4444.