PharmaceuticalAssistance for the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) and Senior Gold help low-income older adults or those with disabilities pay for their prescription medications.
A year ago, grappling with a terrible deficit, Gov. Christie suggested cuts to these programs that would have increased the amount beneficiaries had to pay for their medications. This year, the governor is facing yet another major budget gap.
Cuts to PAAD and Senior Gold will no doubt be under consideration once again. Without these two programs, 166,074 New Jerseyans may have to choose between buying life-sustaining medications and putting food on the table. This is unacceptable.
AARP is urging all our state leaders to protect PAAD and Senior Gold now, before any budget decisions are made. The state should not turn to our most vulnerable citizens to help balance the budget.
Individuals on PAAD have annual incomes of $24,432 or less; couples have annual incomes of $29,956 or less. They do not have other resource options to turn to, but the state does.
AARP hopes that our legislators will pledge to protect PAAD and Senior Gold now. Together we can make a difference to the thousands of New Jerseyans who rely on these vital programs. Sy Larson President AARP New Jersey
East Brunswick