NJ Division of Aging Services Helps Seniors Save on Expenses, Maintain Health &Independence

There are 1.5 million people living in New Jersey who are 65 and over. That number is expected to grow to more than 1.85 million by 2030. As New Jerseyans grow older, it is important for residents to be aware of the many programs and services available through the state to help seniors save money, remain healthy, and maintain social connections.

For the last 65 years, the Division of Aging Services in the state Department of Human Services has been working in collaboration with community partners to help residents navigate aging. The Division, also known as DoAS, administers a number of programs that make it easier for older adults to remain in their homes and live in the community as long as possible.

The Division is committed to enhancing the quality of life of its eldest residents and offers a complete list of all its programs and services in the DoAS Program Guide.

One of the Division’s flagship efforts is the NJSave online application, which can be used to apply for several assistance programs that can help seniors keep more money in their pockets.

The NJSave application checks eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs that can help people with limited income and assets pay all or part of their Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. The application also checks a person’s eligibility for the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program and the Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program. Both programs help eligible individuals save on prescription drug costs. The application also screens for eligibility for the Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD) program, which provides a reimbursement up to $500 to offset the purchase of a hearing aid or $1,000 for the purchase of two, and the Lifeline Utility Assistance Program, which provides a $225 annual credit on electric and gas utility bills to eligible homeowners or a $225 annual benefit in the form of a check to eligible tenants who have the cost of gas and electric utilities included in their rent. To learn about additional cost-saving programs that NJSave screens for, visit the NJSave webpage.

Free NJSave application assistance is available in person or by phone through different local organizations (Senior Save Navigators, Area Agencies on Aging, State Health Insurance Assistance Program local offices) or by calling 1-866-NJSAVE-5.

The Division also provides free assistance to people with questions about Medicare through its State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Under SHIP, volunteer counselors can help Medicare beneficiaries with questions about benefits, claims and supplement policies known as Medigaps, as well as help residents evaluate their health insurance options. To make an appointment with a SHIP counselor, call 1-800-792-8820 or visit the SHIP webpage.

The Division also administers numerous programs that promote health and wellness, including HealthEASE, which coordinates and expands disease prevention services for older adults to help seniors live healthier, more independent lives; Project Healthy Bones, an exercise and education program for people with or at risk of osteoporosis that targets the body’s larger muscle groups to improve strength, balance and flexibility; and Move Today, a 30-45 minute non-aerobic exercise class designed to improve flexibility, balance and stamina.

In addition, residents who are 60 and older can take free online fitness and wellness classes, as well as hundreds of other free classes on a variety of interesting topics, through the Division’s partnership with online learning platform, GetSetUp. Residents who sign up via the Division’s GetSetUp page can take classes on cooking, art, technology, travel and more. Classes are interactive and designed to help keep older residents mentally, physically and socially active.

The Division also oversees the Statewide Respite Care Program and the Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers to assist caregivers. Additional resources for caregivers can be found on the Aging and Disability Resource Connection website.

New Jersey is invested in its residents, and last year issued a blueprint with recommendations that communities can implement to help make the Garden State a better place for residents of all ages. Recommendations focus on improvements to housing, health, transportation, socialization, employment, and communication and outreach strategies to help communities better meet the needs of residents as they age. Human Services is providing grants to help local government and community entities put these recommendations into action.

The growth in New Jersey’s older adult population is an opportunity to make communities more inclusive and integrated. Making life easier for older New Jerseyans is a collective good, and the Division of Aging Services continues to work toward this shared mission.

Visit the Division of Aging Services at aging.nj.gov.

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