AARP says thank you to governor

Marilyn Askin, AARP chief legislative advocate
AARP commends Gov. Christie for supporting a budget for the state’s two pharmaceutical assistance programs, PAAD and Senior Gold.
Because of health care reform, the state is able to increase efficiency through coordinating PAAD and Senior Gold with Medicare Part D. The resulting savings allow New Jersey to continue full funding for both programs without any reduction in eligibility or benefits. In other words, the state saves money while vulnerable disabled and older adults who rely on pharmaceutical assistance are not hurt in the process.
Efficiencies include increased enrollment of PAAD beneficiaries into Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy, which covers almost all of their prescription costs. In addition, drug manufacturers will cover half the cost of many drugs; this reduces the doughnut hole that pharmaceutical assistance programs must pay.
On behalf of our almost 1.3 million members in New Jersey, we thank Gov. Christie for setting the standard for other states. While he could have reduced funding or cut the two programs altogether, as some states are considering, he chose a plan which would balance the state’s need to close the budget deficit with its desire to protect its most vulnerable citizens. Thank you, governor!
Marilyn Askin
AARP chief legislative advocate
Plainsboro