Health Resources for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program for seniors and individuals with disabilities. It consists of three parts:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care), hospice care, and some home health care.
• Part B (Medical Insurance): Requires a monthly premium and covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and therapy services.
• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Optional coverage for generic and brand-name medications. Plans have specific drug lists of what will be covered. 

Open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7. To enroll, contact the local Social Security office, apply online, or call 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free statewide counseling for Medicare beneficiaries, offering guidance on claims, coverage, and benefits. To set up your appointment, contact the lead counseling agency in your area or call your County Office on Aging. 

NJSave helps low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities save on Medicare premiums, prescriptions, and living expenses. Complete the application online or by mail. For assistance, call the Division of Aging Services at 800-792-8820. Programs offered through NJSave include:

• Extra Help: Reduces Medicare prescription drug costs.
• Medicare Savings Program: Covers Medicare Part B premiums.
• Low-Income Subsidy Program: Reduces Part D premiums and prescription costs.
• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program: Covers premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for Medicare services.
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary and Qualifying Individual Programs: Pays Part B premiums.

There are programs to help with prescription costs for this specific population. 
 

• Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged & Disabled (PAAD): This program helps eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities save money on prescription drug costs. Learn more about eligibility and this program online or by calling 800-792-9745.
• Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program: This program assists eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities in paying for prescribed legend drugs, insulin, and insulin supplies. Learn more about eligibility and this program online or by calling 800-792-9745.