The 12th District legislators are extremely pleased to announce that the proposed cuts to the State’s programs aiding New Jersey’s seniors and disabled citizens have been restored.
One of many difficult decisions that Governor Christie was forced to make in order to close the $11 billion budget gap for the FY 2011 State Budget was to put in place a $310 deductable for Senior Gold and PAAD (the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled) program and increasing co-pays for brand name drugs from $7 to $15.
Due to several factors, including high utilization of generic drugs, increased collections from existing manufacturer rebate programs, changes to Medicare Part D, and savings from the 50% discount on brand name drugs in the Medicare Part D coverage gap, the cuts to these important programs have been restored.
“Finding creative ways to do the responsible thing is indicative of how Governor Christie’s administration works,” said Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon. “Restoring the cuts to these programs that so many of our seniors and disabled citizens depend upon is a responsive way of governing. If this is the kind of receptive governing we can expect over the next four or eight years, I think we can all breathe a little easier.”
PAAD and Senior Gold provide prescription drug assistance to nearly 164,000 low-income seniors and those New Jerseyans living with disabilities. Approximately 140,000 are enrolled in PAAD and 23,000 in the Senior Gold program. Recipients of the assistance provided by these programs are required to enroll in Medicare Part D, with both State programs covering the cost of the monthly premium.
“We had dozens of phone calls and emails from seniors, disabled people, and other citizens concerned about what the cuts to PAAD and Senior Gold would mean for them,” said Senator Jennifer Beck. “The Governor was obviously getting the same message, and his responsiveness to the issue, and his willingness to work towards finding another solution to save New Jersey $55.5 million while maintaining the same level of service for the people who need it most is exactly why he was elected. I applaud these efforts.”
“For people living on a fixed budget,” said Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, “every dollar counts. I am so pleased the Governor Christie was able to restore the cuts to these programs. He heard the concerns of the people affected by them, and responded in the most responsible way he could. He kept these vital programs in place without placing the burden on the taxpayers of the State, which is simply responsible governing.”
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