Supporting A5520 and AJR123
Updated: Aug 11, 2021
Below is written testimony supporting A5520 and AJR123 from NJ4A
WrittenTestimony: Support of A5520 and AJR123 from NJ4A
Submitted June 1, 2021 by Eileen E. Doremus, NJ4A Advocacy Coordinator
The 21 County Offices on Aging/ Aging and Disability Resource Connection are the federally designated agencies that advocate, educate and disseminate information, and coordinate programs and services for those 60 years of age and older, those living with disabilities and their caregivers in New Jersey. The New Jersey Association of Area Agencies on Aging (NJ4A) is the statewide membership organization that includes the leadership of all county Offices on Aging organized to promote and support that which enhances the experience of said audience.
NJ4A support the legislation represented in A5520 that increases the eligibility limits for the PAAD and Senior Gold Prescription Discount program by $10,000. This increase helps more older adults be able to take advantage of set prices for generic and brand name prescriptions and keep costs affordable. Many older adults experience chronic conditions requiring long-term medication treatment that can be costly without this support.
With respect to Resolution AJR123, one of the funded services through the County Offices on Aging is Adult Protective Services. These offices have highly skilled social workers and mental health workers that intervene in situations where there is potential physical, emotional/mental or financial exploitation of older adults. An annual designation of June 15th as Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the aging network can bring increased awareness to potential exploitation. This gives the County Offices on Aging an opportunity to work more closely with State legislators in promoting messages that need to be heard in our NJ communities.