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Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Elderly (RIPAE)
Page Reviewed / Updated - Apr. 2019
Program Description
The Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Elderly program, or RIPAE for short, provides financial assistance in the form of discounted prescriptions to elderly state residents. There are 4 levels to this program; each level receives a different percentage discount on their medications ranging from 15% - 60%. (Level 1 – 3 are for seniors 65 and over and level 4 is for persons 55 – 64 years of age who are disabled). The senior’s (and their spouse's) annual income(s) determine into which level of the program they are placed. The following numbers are current as of April 2019.
-Individuals with income under $23,591, or couples under $29,491 receive a 60% discount
-Individuals with income under $29,615, but greater than $23,591, or couples under $37,032, but greater than $29,491, receive a 30% discount
-Individuals with income under $51,924, but more than $29,615, or couples under $59,232, but more than $37,032, receive a 15% discount
-Level 4, as previously mentioned, is specifically for persons who are between 55 and 64 years of age and disabled. Individuals with income less than $51,030, or couples under $59,232 receive a 15% discount.
The RIPAE Program is designed and intended to work in tandem with a Medicare Part D insurance plan. The cost of fulfilling a prescription is first addressed by the Medicare Part D plan, and RIPAE then applies to the portion of the cost not paid for by Medicare Part D.
Did You Know? Older adults have challenges adhering to their prescriptions as do lower income individuals. Low income seniors have 7 times as many challenges when compared to the average adult.
Eligibility Guidelines
To be eligible for this program, seniors must meet the following criteria:
- Rhode Island resident
- 65 years of age or older (or between 55 and 64 years old, if officially disabled)
- Ineligible for Medicaid
- Enrolled in Medicare Part D plan
- Individuals 65 and over must have annual income under $51,924 and married couples under $59,232 (in 2019). This is equal to $4,327 and $4,936 per month for individuals and couples, respectively. For disabled persons 55 – 64 years of age, single applicants must have an annual income under $51,030 and married couples under $59,232. This is equivalent to $4,252.50 and $4,936 per month for individuals and couples, respectively.
Benefits and Services
Depending on their income level, program participants receive a discount of between 15% - 60% on their prescriptions. Generic medications will always be used in place of brand name drugs unless a doctor has specifically determined that the brand name variety is a medical necessity.
There are no applicant fees or enrollment fees to participate in the RIPAE program. Some seniors have the perception that there is an additional cost if they are not already enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan as they are required to do so. However, this is a Medicare Part D premium, not a RIPAE cost.
How to Apply / Learn More
RIPAE is administered by the Rhode Island Department of Elder Affairs. One can learn more or apply for the program by downloading a RIPAE fact sheet or by calling (401) 462-3000.