PAAD & SENIOR GOLD UPDATE

The Fiscal Year 2009 budget for the State of New Jersey makes three changes to coverage under the PAAD and Senior Gold Program effective August 1, 2008. PAAD is also mailing out new scannable PAAD applications. The new forms is somewhat longer, but it has larger print.

1.)  The $5.00 PAAD copay has increased to $6 for generic drugs and $7 for brand names medications.  PAAD beneficiaries with the lowest income and assets will not be affected by the copay increase because they pay lower copays under the Medicare Part D program.  The Senior Gold copay remains unchanged.

2.)  PAAD and Senior Gold will no longer pay for diabetic testing supplies. PAAD and Senior Gold beneficiaries will use their Medicare Part B coverage or health insurance coverage, if they have it, to obtain these supplies

3.)  Senior Gold beneficiaries will be required to enroll in Medicare Part D. Senior Gold beneficiaries must enroll in Medicare Part D and pay the monthly Medicare Part D premiums in order to continue their eligibility.

The Department of Health and Senior Services will notify beneficiaries individually by mail of these changes.  Copies of the letters and additional information about the PAAD and Senior Gold programs are available on the DHSS website at www.NJPAAD.gov or www.NJSRGOLD.gov.

 Call Diann, your Medicare Counselor, 973-691-2024, if you have any questions.