New Jersey PAAD/Senior Gold Prescription Assistance
New Jersey runs two prescription programs for older and disabled residents. Your income decides which one you get, and one application covers both.
In 2026, New Jersey residents 65 or older, or 18 to 64 on Social Security Disability, qualify for PAAD with income under $54,943 if single or $62,390 if married. PAAD members pay $5 for a generic drug and $7 for a brand-name drug. If your income is up to $10,000 above those limits, Senior Gold gives a smaller discount.
PAAD and Senior Gold Side by Side
PAAD stands for Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled. Senior Gold is the program for people whose income is just over the PAAD limit. Both are run by the New Jersey Division of Aging Services.
| PAAD | Senior Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 income if single | Less than $54,943 | $54,943 to $64,943 |
| 2026 income if married | Less than $62,390 | $62,390 to $72,390 |
| What you pay per prescription | $5 for a covered generic, $7 for a covered brand-name drug | $15 plus 50% of the remaining cost of the drug |
| If your drug costs are high | The copay stays the same | Once you have paid more than $2,000 in a year if single, or $3,000 if married, you pay a flat $15 per prescription |
| Medicare Part D | Required if you are eligible for Medicare. PAAD pays the premium for certain standard basic plans priced at or below the regional benchmark. | Required if you are eligible for Medicare |
How the Senior Gold Copay Works
The Senior Gold formula is easier to follow with numbers. This is an illustration, not a price for any real drug.
Say a covered prescription costs $115. You pay the first $15. That leaves $100, and you pay half of it, which is $50. Your total is $65 and Senior Gold covers the other $50.
On a cheap generic the saving is small. On an expensive drug it adds up, and it also moves you toward the yearly threshold. After your own spending passes $2,000 if single or $3,000 if married, each prescription costs a flat $15 for the rest of the year.
Who Qualifies
- You live in New Jersey.
- You are 65 or older, or you are 18 to 64 and receive Social Security Title II Disability benefits.
- Your income falls within the PAAD or Senior Gold range shown above.
- If you are eligible for Medicare, you enroll in a Medicare Part D drug plan.
Both programs are required by law to give you the generic version of a drug when one exists.
How PAAD Works With Medicare Part D
If you have Medicare, your Part D plan pays first and PAAD covers the difference down to your $5 or $7 copay. PAAD also pays the monthly premium, but only for certain standard basic Part D plans whose premium is at or below the regional benchmark. If you pick a more expensive plan, ask the PAAD hotline what you would owe before you enroll.
If your income is low, check Extra Help too. It is the federal program that lowers Part D premiums and copays.
How to Apply
One application, called NJSave, is used for both PAAD and Senior Gold. You can fill it in online, in English or Spanish, or ask for a paper form.
- Phone: 1-800-792-9745, toll-free
- Renewal: a renewal form should reach you about four months before your PAAD card expires
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the PAAD income limits for 2026?
Less than $54,943 if you are single and less than $62,390 if you are married.
What is the difference between PAAD and Senior Gold?
PAAD is for lower incomes and charges $5 for a generic and $7 for a brand-name drug. Senior Gold is for incomes up to $10,000 above the PAAD limit and charges $15 plus 50% of the remaining cost, dropping to a flat $15 after you have paid more than $2,000 in a year if single or $3,000 if married.
Can someone under 65 get PAAD?
Yes, if they are 18 to 64 and receive Social Security Title II Disability benefits.
Do I need Medicare Part D to get PAAD?
If you are eligible for Medicare, yes. PAAD pays the premium for certain standard basic Part D plans priced at or below the regional benchmark.
How do I apply for PAAD or Senior Gold?
Complete the NJSave application online or on paper, or call 1-800-792-9745. The same application is used for both programs.
Sources: New Jersey Division of Aging Services, PAAD and Senior Gold program pages, checked October 11, 2026. Income limits change every year. Confirm your own eligibility with the PAAD hotline before you rely on this page. This site is not affiliated with the State of New Jersey.