If you live in New Jersey and prescription costs are eating into your budget, there’s a state program that can bring your copays way down.
It’s called PAAD, short for Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled, and it’s been helping New Jersey residents afford their medications for decades.
Who Can Get PAAD?
You can qualify for PAAD if you meet all of these:
- You live in New Jersey.
- You’re 65 or older; OR you’re between 18 and 64 and receiving Social Security Title II Disability benefits
- Your 2026 income is below $54,943 if you’re single, or below $62,390 if you’re married
- You enroll in Medicare Part D, if you’re eligible for Medicare.
There’s no asset test involved, just the income limits above, so it’s worth applying even if you weren’t sure you’d qualify.
What Does PAAD Actually Save You?
Once you’re approved, your prescription copays drop to just $5 for generic drugs and $7 for brand-name drugs that are covered under the program. For anyone juggling multiple medications every month, that can add up to real savings fast.
How Do You Apply?
The easiest way to apply is online through the NJSave application portal, which also checks you against other assistance programs at the same time, so one application can connect you to more than just PAAD
A paper application is available too, through the official PAAD program page.
Once you’re enrolled, most people only have to renew every two years. New Jersey will mail you a renewal form about four months before your card expires, so keep an eye on your mailbox as that date approaches.
Relief Recap
We covered PAAD because it’s one of the strongest state-level drug assistance programs in the country, and a lot of eligible New Jersey seniors and disabled residents still don’t know it exists. If you live somewhere else, your state may have a similar program. Check our full list of state pharmaceutical assistance programs to see what’s available where you live.
