Program Description
Maryland’s prescription drug assistance program is known as the SPDAP (Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program) Subsidy. It provides financial assistance to eligible residents to assist with their Medicare Rx (Part D) premiums.
The SPDAP program is known as a Medicare wraparound program, which means the benefits wrap around benefits provided by a Medicare Part D plan. Therefore, it is a requirement that SPDAP participants have a Medicare Part D plan. When making a prescription purchase, Medicare Part D is the first payer, then SPDAP contributes to the costs not covered by a Part D plan.
SPDAP is overseen by the Maryland Department of Health.
Did You Know? Over 40% of seniors take five or more medications per week and less than 40% of them properly adhere to their prescription schedule.
Eligibility Guidelines
To be eligible for this program, seniors must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Maryland resident for a minimum of six months.
- Must enroll or be enrolled in a qualified Medicare Rx (Part D) plan or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan. (There are many options from which to choose. One can see all of them on the SPDAP program application, which is linked at the bottom of this page).
- Have an annual income of less than three times the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In dollar terms for 2022, the SPDAP income limit is $40,770 for an individual or $54,930 for a married couple. Income includes earned wages, pensions, social security benefits, annuities, etc.
- Must NOT be eligible for Medicaid or 100% Full Federal Low Income Subsidy “Extra Help.”
Benefits and Services
This program pays up to $50 per month towards the cost of standalone Medicare drug plans or Medicare Advantage Prescription drug premiums.
Please note that the SPDAP Coverage Gap (Donut Hole) subsidy is no longer being offered. As of 2020, the Medicare Part D Donut Hole was closed. Now once you reach the coverage gap, you will be responsible for no more than 25% of your plan’s brand name prescription drug costs.
How to Apply / Learn More
Maryland residents can learn more about this program by visiting the SPDAP website or by calling their toll free number at (800) 551-5995. One can apply by downloading an application here. Please make note, if both spouses of a couple are applying for this program, each spouse must fill out their own application.
The state of Illinois has two programs designed to provide financial assistance to the elderly to help them purchase their prescription drugs. Rx Basic is for individuals without Medicare insurance and the Rx Plus is designed for those on Medicare.
Rx Plus is known as a Medicare wraparound program which means the benefits wrap around those benefits provided by a Medicare Part D plan. When making a prescription purchase, Medicare Part D is the first payer, and then this program contributes towards those costs the Part D plan does not cover.
