CULLMAN —
Federal subsidy programs administered through the Cullman County Commission on Aging are sending more assistance to more local seniors than ever before.
That’s why county officials are often surprised when they meet seniors eligible for free meals, or for discounted prescription medication, who’ve never heard about the commission on aging or the variety of vital services the agency provides.
“It’s amazing, really,” said county commission chairman James Graves. “No matter how many folks we serve, or how many dollars in aid our commission on aging brings in — there are still plenty of elderly folks, some of them very much in need of help, who don’t know a thing about any of it.”
Over the past year, Cullman County’s commission on aging has largely outpaced neighboring counties’ senior agencies in reaching large numbers of eligible aid recipients. But, said commission on aging director Randall Shedd, the recent summer months have been especially productive.
“The Cullman County Commission on Aging led the region in providing free medicine to seniors during May and June 2012,” said Shedd. “We are proud that our hardworking staff has led the region nine consecutive months this fiscal year, providing a total of $326,675 in free medicine to Cullman County seniors.”
The free medication is made available through the SenioRx and Wellness program, designed to assist eligible Alabamians aged 55 and over with obtaining the prescription medication they need to manage chronic illnesses. The free medication is provided through continuously-negotiated arrangements with pharmaceutical manufacturers.
To qualify for free prescription drugs, a person must be at least 55 years of age with chronic medical conditions, have no prescription drug insurance coverage, and take in an annual income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. In addition, Social Security disabled individuals of any age in their 24-month Medicare waiting periods are eligible for medication assistance.
For 2012, the 200 percent poverty level threshold applies at the following rates:
‰Individual yearly income: $22,340
‰Individual monthly income: $1,862
‰Couple yearly income: $30,260
‰Couple monthly income: $2,522
Visit www.alabamaageline.gov/seniorx.cfm for more information on the program, or call the Cullman County Commission on Aging at 256-734-1241.
* Benjamin Bullard can be reached by e-mail at bbullard@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 270.
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