Help Paying for Medicare in West New York, NJ: PAAD, MSP, Extra Help

A volunteer helps an older man fill out a benefits form at a senior center

New Jersey offers more Medicare help than many states. Thousands of Hudson County residents qualify and never apply. Here is a map of the main programs and who they help.

What We Cover:

PAAD and Senior Gold drug help
Medicare Savings Program premium help
Federal Extra Help for Part D
Applying with NJSave

Quick Guide

Program	What it helps with
PAAD	Drug copays of $5 generic, $7 brand
Senior Gold	Drug costs for incomes just above PAAD
Medicare Savings Program	Part B premium and, for some, deductibles and copays
Extra Help	Part D premiums and copays
NJ FamilyCare ABD	Full Medicaid coverage for low income and assets

2026 PAAD Limits

For 2026, yearly income needs to stay below $54,943 for one person, or $62,390 for a couple. Applicants qualify by age (65+) or by receiving Social Security Disability as an adult. You must live in New Jersey.

Official details: NJ PAAD program (nj.gov)(external site).

What You Pay With PAAD

On covered drugs, you pay $5 for each generic and $7 for each brand. PAAD may also help with your Part D premium for certain plans.

Senior Gold

Senior Gold is for people with income up to $10,000 above the PAAD limits, so roughly $54,943 to $64,943 single or $62,390 to $72,390 married. You pay a $15 copay plus 50% of the rest of the cost, with yearly caps.

Check the current rules at NJ Senior Gold program (nj.gov)(external site).

You Must Have Part D

Both programs work alongside a Part D plan. PAAD members may be steered to plans that cost them no premium. We can show which plans we carry work well with PAAD.

Medicare Savings Program

The Medicare Savings Program can pay your Part B premium. That alone is $202.90 a month, or about $2,435 a year in 2026. Some levels also pay deductibles and copays.

Level	Yearly income, single	Married	Pays
QMB	$15,960	$21,640	Part A and B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance
SLMB	$19,152	$25,968	Part B premium
QI	$21,546	$29,214	Part B premium

Assets must be under $9,950 single or $14,910 married. Your home and one car usually do not count.

Extra Help With Drug Costs

Extra Help is a federal program that pays Part D premiums and lowers drug copays for people with limited income. Social Security runs it.

The government explains this in apply for Extra Help online (SSA.gov)(external site).

With Extra Help, you pay no more than $5.10 for each generic and $12.65 for each brand drug in 2026. Many people pay no premium or deductible.

Apply With NJSave

NJSave is one online form that checks you for PAAD, Senior Gold, the Medicare Savings Program, Extra Help and some utility help at once.

Where to Apply Locally

The West New York Senior Citizens Department is at 515 54th Street. Call 201-295-5144. The Hudson County Division on Aging is at 830 Bergen Avenue, Suite 3B, in Jersey City. Call 201-369-4313 or 877-222-3737. NJ SHIP gives free counseling at 1-800-792-8820.

Help for People Under 65

If you get Medicare because of a disability, many of the same programs apply. PAAD covers people 18 and older who receive Social Security Disability, as long as income fits. The Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help do not have an age limit.

What to Gather Before You Apply

Proof of income, such as Social Security or pension letters
Recent bank statements
Your Medicare card
Proof that you live in New Jersey, such as a lease or utility bill

Our Process for Cost Help

We start with a short look at your income and the help you already get. If you may qualify for a program, we show you where to apply, whether online with NJSave, by mail, or in person at a local office. Then we check that your plan choice works well with the help you receive. For example, PAAD requires a Part D plan, and Extra Help gives you more chances to switch.

Common Myths

Many people think owning a home or having some savings rules them out. PAAD and Senior Gold look at income, not your home. Others think applying will lower their Social Security check. It will not. Applying is free, and you can ask NJ SHIP for neutral help at no cost.

Why It Matters for Your Plan

Some programs change which plan is best. For example, if you get Extra Help, you can switch drug plans more often. Check programs before you choose.

There is a full page on our Medicare services overview. You may also want Medicare help for West New York, NJ. See checking your drugs on a Part D plan. Our page on Medicare and NJ FamilyCare together goes deeper. Next, look at Original Medicare costs in 2026. We also cover about our local Medicare team. It helps to read about set up a no-cost Medicare review. Many readers next check dental and vision extras in Medicare plans. There is a full page on reading your Annual Notice of Change.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Figures are for 2026 unless noted and change every year. Last reviewed October 29, 2026.

Official resources

Questions? Talk With a Local Licensed Agent

No cost, in English or Spanish. We look at your doctors, drugs and budget, and you make the choice.

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FAQs

Is applying free?
Yes. No program charges a fee to apply.

Will it affect my Social Security?
No. These programs do not lower your Social Security check.

Can you apply for me?
We can explain the steps. The local offices above can help you fill out forms.

Can I still keep my Advantage plan?
Yes. You can stay in your plan. Some people also qualify for a dual plan.

What counts as income?
Social Security, pensions and wages before taxes. Some amounts are not counted.