[NFBNJ] NJ Human Services Announces New One-Stop, Online Application for Older New Jerseyans to Access Benefits

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Received from Pamela Gaston, NJ CBVI.
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**
NJ Human Services Announces New One-Stop, Online Application for Older New 
Jerseyans to Access Benefits

Older New Jerseyans can apply for pharmaceutical assistance, Medicare help, 
utility assistance and many more programs

(TRENTON) - Older New Jerseyans are now just one click away from important 
benefits and savings.
The Department of Human Services' (DHS) Division of Aging Services has 
launched https://njdoas-ua.force.com/njsave/quickstart, a new online 
application to help older residents with low-incomes and individuals with 
disabilities save money on Medicare premiums, prescription costs, and other 
living expenses.
Instructions and a step-by-step YouTube tutorial are also available on the 
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/paad/.
NJSave allows individuals to use a single online application to check their 
eligibility for various savings and assistance programs, such as Medicare 
Savings Programs, which help eligible individuals pay their Medicare 
premiums and copays; New Jersey's Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and 
Disabled (PAAD), which helps save money on prescription drug costs; and the 
Lifeline Utility Assistance Program. Prior to this, individuals had to fill 
out a paper eligibility application for each program.
"NJSave will help older New Jerseyans and their families with a simpler way 
to check out the programs and services available to them. We are delighted 
to provide this new tool to help connect individuals to benefits and 
services," said Carole Johnson, Commissioner of the Department of Human 
Services.
"This application gives older New Jerseyans, individuals with disabilities, 
and their caregivers a new, easily-accessible way to get the help they need 
to maintain their health and financial well-being," said Human Services' 
Division of Aging Director Louise Rush.
Individuals can now fill out the application and submit supporting documents 
completely online.  Applicants will also be able to create an account and 
save the form so they do not have to fill it out in one sitting.
Advocates applauded the new application process.
"It's important that seniors across New Jersey are able to access the 
services and supports for which they're eligible," said Stephanie Hunsinger, 
State Director for AARP New Jersey. "Any step that consolidates and 
simplifies the application process for those services is a step in the right 
direction, particularly for the 1.1 million family caregivers in our state."
NJSave enrolls eligible applicants into the following programs:
* Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD):
* Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD)
* Lifeline Utility Assistance
* Medicare Savings Programs
* Medicare Part D's Low Income Subsidy (LIS, also known as "Extra Help")
* Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program
The application is also used to screen individuals for numerous savings and 
assistance programs. These programs include:
* Universal Service Fund (USF)
* Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
* Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
To qualify for the programs, the applicant has to be a resident of the State 
of New Jersey, meet certain income requirements and either be 65 years of 
age or older or between the ages of 18 and 64 and receiving Social Security 
disability benefits.
The paper version of the application will remain in use and is available by 
calling the Division of Aging Services at 1-800-792-9745, or by contacting 
county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) or local pharmacies.
The launch of NJSave also comes amid Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period 
(AEP), a window in which current beneficiaries can change their Medicare 
Advantage Plan or Part D prescription drug plan. Individuals can get free, 
unbiased guidance in making an informed choice before the AEP closes on 
December 7th by calling the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) 
hotline at 1-800-792-8820.



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