New Jersey PAAD/Senior Gold Prescription Assistance
New Jersey runs two income-tiered prescription assistance programs for seniors, on top of Medicare Part D: PAAD and Senior Gold.
New Jersey residents 65+ (or 18-64 on SSDI) with 2026 income under $54,943 (single) or $62,390 (married) can get help paying for prescriptions through PAAD, with Senior Gold available to applicants somewhat above that limit.
Most states no longer run a dedicated State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) — only a handful still do, largely because Medicare Part D, especially after the Inflation Reduction Act's reforms, now covers much of what these programs used to fill in. New Jersey's PAAD (Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled) is one of the longest-running SPAPs in the country, with Senior Gold serving as a second tier for slightly higher earners.
What PAAD and Senior Gold Cover
PAAD and Senior Gold help cover the cost of prescription drugs, insulin and insulin supplies, and needles and syringes for injectable medicines used to treat multiple sclerosis. Both work alongside — not instead of — Medicare Part D. If you're Medicare-eligible, you must enroll in a Part D plan; PAAD then helps cover your Part D premium up to the regional benchmark amount and reduces your copay to $5 for a covered generic or $7 for a covered brand-name drug. The programs generally don't cover diabetic testing supplies, since Medicare Part B already covers those.
Who Qualifies
To qualify, you generally need to be a New Jersey resident who:
- Is 65 years of age or older, or is 18-64 and receiving Social Security Title II disability benefits
- Has 2026 income below $54,943 if single, or below $62,390 if married, for PAAD (Senior Gold uses a higher income band)
- Isn't already covered by Medicaid or by prescription drug coverage equal to or better than PAAD's
Both programs use the same application, so you don't need to know in advance which one you'll qualify for.
How to Apply
PAAD and Senior Gold are administered by the New Jersey Division of Aging Services. Apply online through NJSave or by mailing a paper application; most beneficiaries renew every two years. For current details and to start an application, visit the official program page.
Apply on nj.gov →Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for PAAD in New Jersey?
New Jersey residents who are 65 or older, or between 18 and 64 and receiving Social Security Title II disability benefits, with 2026 income below $54,943 if single or $62,390 if married. Applicants already on Medicaid or with equal-or-better drug coverage aren't eligible.
What's the difference between PAAD and Senior Gold?
PAAD and Senior Gold are New Jersey's two prescription assistance tiers, split by income, and both are applied for on the same NJSave application. Senior Gold generally serves applicants above the PAAD income limit, with different copay amounts.
Does PAAD replace Medicare Part D?
No. Medicare-eligible PAAD members must enroll in a Medicare Part D plan; PAAD then helps cover the Part D premium (up to the regional benchmark) and copays above PAAD's own $5 generic / $7 brand-name amounts.
Illustrative summary — verify exact current income limits and copay amounts with the New Jersey Division of Aging Services before relying on this page for an application decision. This site is not affiliated with the State of New Jersey.