NJSave Application Can Help Low-Income Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities Save Money on Prescription Costs, Medicare Premiums, and Other Expenses

July 11, 2024

(TRENTON) – Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced $5.1 million in grants have been awarded to several organizations to serve as “Senior Save Navigators” to raise public awareness about the NJSave application, provide application assistance, and enroll more eligible residents in cost-saving programs available through NJSave.

The Department awarded $466,000 grants each to the following 11 entities: Alliance Center for Independence, Bergen County Division of Senior Services, Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton, Community Health Law Project, Family and Children’s Services of Monmouth County, Kennedy Health Care Foundation, New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund, Norwescap, Resources for Independent Living, Save Latin America Inc. and United Way of Hunterdon-Mercer County.

 “Through the Senior Save Navigator Program, we are offering another way to connect older New Jerseyans with affordable prescription drugs and other benefits,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The NJSave application serves as a one-stop shop that enables applicants to save time and to sign up for more than a dozen savings and discount programs – but this tool is only valuable if our seniors know it’s available. Raising awareness of NJSave is crucial as it will ensure we reach more eligible community members.”

“We are eager to continue spreading the word about NJSave through this new partnership with trusted community partners and to enrolling even more people in programs that help save on common living expenses. Awareness and enrollment assistance are critical to helping consumers take advantage of important savings programs,” said Commissioner Adelman. “The NJSave application screens for eligibility to more than a dozen cost-saving programs available to low-income older adults and those with disabilities. Navigators will walk people through the application from start to finish at no cost. We encourage anyone who believes they are eligible to visit NJSave.org and take advantage of this assistance.” Senior Save Navigators will be expected to:

• Improve community awareness of the NJSave programs and their role in helping older adults and individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance continue to live independently in their communities;
• Engage older adults and individuals receiving SSDI and provide application assistance;
• Assist in creating online NJSave application accounts for applicants;
• Identify and utilize innovative or best practices for targeted community outreach and enrollment, including digital methods, such as social media, text messaging, and emails;
• Expand existing and develop new relationships with non-governmental community organizations to help outreach and enroll older adults and individuals receiving SSDI; and
• Promote increased enrollment in underserved communities by building trust with immigrant communities through culturally competent and language-accessible outreach.

“While the NJSave application conveniently screens for a wide range of programs, we understand the application process and gathering the necessary documentation can be daunting for some. The last thing we want is for people who are eligible to forgo these savings. Our new navigators will not only help people apply, but will also provide education and outreach to raise awareness and connect more people to these benefits,” said Kaylee McGuire, Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services.

NJSave screens applicants for eligibility to several programs, including the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) and the Senior Gold Prescription Discount drug assistance programs, which are available to residents ages 65 years and older and to those with disabilities. PAAD cuts drug prices to $5 for covered generic drugs and $7 for covered name brands. Senior Gold cuts prices in half after a $15 copay for covered prescriptions.

The income limits for PAAD and Senior Gold have increased by $10,000, making them available to more people. This increase is funded through Governor Phil Murphy’s FY2024 Budget and was included in a series of changes following the enactment of legislation to expand prescription drug savings for older adults. The PAAD program income limits are now $52,142 if single and $59,209 for a couple. Senior Gold limits are now $62,142 if single and $69,209 if married.

The NJSave application also screens for the  Lifeline Utility Assistance program and the Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD) program. Income limits for both programs also increased by $10,000, as those programs are tied to PAAD.

NJSave also screens for the three Medicare Savings Programs that provide assistance with Medicare premiums and other Medicare costs; the federal Low Income Subsidy program that provides assistance with Medicare Part D premiums and cost share; the Universal Service Fund program and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program that assist with energy costs; and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP), which provides food assistance.

In addition to navigators, NJSave application assistance is also available through the Area Agencies on Aging, State Health Insurance Assistance Program local offices and by calling 1-800-792-9745.

The Senior Save Navigator Program is the latest effort by the Department to expand enrollment in state-funded programs for older adults and those with disabilities. Earlier this year, the Department launched a marketing campaign highlighting the NJSave application that is ongoing and includes billboards, rail and transit ads, digital ads, and social media ads, among others.

“We are so glad we can make this additional assistance available to anyone in need of application support so they can start saving on essential expenses. Our marketing efforts have led to an uptick in applications, which is great, but we know there are more people we need to reach. Many of the folks we serve are living on fixed incomes, and this can help them keep more of their money in their pockets,” said Division of Aging Services Assistant Commissioner Louise Rush.

Eligible individuals can apply now through the NJSave online application, download an application from the NJSave webpage, text NJSAVE to 844-755-3803 to receive a link to the application or ask for a paper application by calling 1-866-NJSAVE-5. Online and paper applications are available in English and Spanish.