TRENTON – In 2009, income eligibility limits will rise for beneficiaries of the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) and Senior Gold Prescription Discount programs, Lifeline energy assistance, and the Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD) program.

Under state law, income limits for the programs rise by the same percentage as the federal Social Security Administration’s cost-of-living adjustment that takes effect at the beginning of each year.  Since the 2009 cost-of-living adjustment will be 5.8 percent, the 2009 income limits for the PAAD, Lifeline energy assistance, and HAAAD programs will rise by that amount over 2008 levels.  Senior Gold income limits will increase to $10,000 above the new PAAD limits for both single and married participants.

To participate in PAAD in 2009, single people must have incomes below $24,432 and married couples must have incomes below $29,956.  These income guidelines also apply to the Lifeline and HAAAD programs.

To participate in Senior Gold in 2009, single persons must have incomes between $24,432 and $34,432, and married couple must have a combined income between $29,956 and $39,956.

To be eligible for PAAD, Senior Gold, Lifeline or HAAAD, an applicant must be a permanent resident of New Jersey; be either 65 years of age or older, or at least 18 years of age and receiving Social Security disability benefits; and have income within the program limits. Medicare-eligible PAAD and Senior Gold beneficiaries are also required to enroll in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan unless prohibited from doing so.

PAAD and Senior Gold offer access to prescription drugs at a significantly reduced rate.  Eligible PAAD beneficiaries must enroll in a Medicare Prescription Plan and can obtain each covered generic drug for a $6 co-payment and each covered brand name drug for a $7 co-payment.  Eligible Senior Gold beneficiaries also must enroll in a Medicare Prescription Plan.  They pay a co-payment of $15 plus half the remaining cost for each prescription.

Senior Gold also includes an annual catastrophic cap.  After an individual has paid $2,000 or a couple has paid $3,000 out-of-pocket, the beneficiary can obtain prescriptions for a flat $15 co-payment for the remainder of his Senior Gold eligibility period.

Lifeline is a utility assistance program that offers $225 to persons who meet the PAAD eligibility requirements or who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled provides a $100 reimbursement to eligible persons who purchase a hearing aid.

For information or to obtain an application, call 1-800-792-9745 or visit the Department of Health and Senior Services website at www.state.nj.us/health/seniorbenefits. For additional information on how Medicare Part D works with PAAD and Senior Gold programs, please visit www.njpaad.gov and www.njsrgold.gov.

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