The Poverty Institute works to develop and promote policies to improve the economic security of low- and modest- income Rhode Islanders and ensure that tax and budget policies are equitable and adequate to fund vital public services.
RIPAE Program R.I. Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Elderly Program provides people age 65 and older and people age 55 – 64 who are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits with subsidies to purchase certain medications. RIPAE members can also purchase other prescribed medication at the RIPAE discount price.
The medications for which the subsidy is available are medications used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, anti-infectives, arthritis, asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions, cancer, circulatory insufficiency, depression, diabetes, glaucoma, heart programs, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, prescription minerals and vitamins for kidney patients, and urinary incontinence. A limited allocation to help cover the cost of injectable prescription drugs used to treat MS is also available.
Who Qualifies? • Elders (age 65 and older)
• People aged 55 to 65 who receive Social Security Disability Benefits
• Must be enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan
Income and Resource Limits There is no resource test for RIPAE. The income limit for individuals and couples and the subsidy available is shown in the chart below.
How to Apply Applications are available from the Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA) and at senior centers around the state. For more information, click here to go to their website,or to find the nearest application site call the DEA at (401) 462-3000 or The Point resource hotline at (401) 462-4444. If denied, an appeal can be filed by calling the DEA at (401) 462-3000.
Income Limit (Yearly) and Subsidy Age 65+ (July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011)
Individual Income Limit
Couple Income Limit
Amount of State Subsidy
$20,940
$26,172
60%
$26,280
$32,856
30%
$45,996
$52,560
15%
*For individuals in the lowest income category, the state pays the full cost once the participants yearly out-of-pocket expenses exceed $1,500.
what's this?