DeAngelo Bill to Boost Awareness of Senior Citizen Prescription Drug Program Continues Advancing

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo to help boost enrollment in New Jersey's Senior Gold prescription drug program recently received final legislative approval.

The bill (A-2632) would require the Department of Treasury to prominently display eligibility qualifications for and benefits available under the Senior Gold program in the income tax instructions it makes available annually to taxpayers.

"Anything we can do to promote this program to senior citizens who may not be aware it's available is a good thing," said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex).  "Seniors struggle daily to pay for their medication, but this program can be a big help, and with this bill, we'll be making a real effort to let everyone know it's out there."

The Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program is a state-funded prescription program.  Senior citizens are eligible if they are:

• A New Jersey resident;
• 65 years of age or older or 18 years of age or older and receiving Social Security Title II Disability benefits; and
• Annual income for 2010 is between $24,432 and $34,432 if you are single or between $29,956 and $39,956 if you are married.

For more information, call toll free 1-800-792-9745.

The bill was approved 78-0 by the Assembly in October and 39-0 by the Senate in June.  It now goes to the Governor.