Rhode Island
The purpose of this document is to provide resources for gathering more
information regarding Medicare Part D in your state. This listing supplies
contact information for state and federal agencies working on issues relating
to the Medicare prescription drug benefit. It also includes information
about groups with which MHAs may partner to conduct outreach and education
activities.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):
- The Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit is administered
by CMS within the Department of Health and Human Services. The CMS
Region I Office
serving Rhode Island is located in Boston and can be reached at 617-565-1185.
Specific contact information includes:
- Medicare beneficiaries can also visit the official government
website,
www.medicare.gov,
for additional information, including billing, appeals and enrollment.
For general Medicare information, as well as information
about health plans, contact the 24-hour toll-free hotline at
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Social Security Administration (SSA):
- The Social Security Administration helps individuals determine
whether or not they qualify and how to apply for benefits, including
Extra Help
for the prescription drug benefit. SSA maintains a toll-free number,
1-800-772-1213, twenty-four hours a day.
- Rhode Island is located in the Boston Region. Its website is http://www.ssa.gov/boston/index.htm.
-
Further contact information, including addresses, for SSA’s local
Rhode Island offices can be found at http://www.ssa.gov/boston/RI.htm.
- Individuals are also able to search for local Social Security Administration
offices through a zip code locator at: http://s00dace.ssa.gov/pro/fol/fol-home.html.
State Medicaid Agency:
State Pharmacy Assistance Programs (SPAPs):
- Additional prescription drug benefits may be offered through
a State Pharmacy Assistance Program.
Access, Eligibility and Contact Information:
- Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Elderly (RIPAE) provides
subsidies for low-income residents 65 and older. Benefits are provided
for those up to 420% of the Federal Poverty Level ($16,490-$39,102 for single
individuals and $20,613-$52,458 for married couples). The level of
discount
is based upon income level, ranging from 15%-60%. Residents between
the ages of 55 and 64 who receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) are
also eligible for discounts.
http://www.dea.state.ri.us
401-462-4000
Access to Benefits Coalition (ABC):
- ABC coalitions work to help Medicare beneficiaries locate and
apply for additional assistance in paying for prescription drugs. They
also aid individuals
in enrolling in both public and private prescription savings programs.
www.accesstobenefits.org
- • There is one coalition serving the state of Rhode Island:
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP):
- SHIPs offer free counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries
and their families. In addition, SHIPs will be planning Medicare
Part D enrollment and education events throughout each state. The National
Network
website is https://www.shiptalk.org. You may find information about
Rhode Island ’s
SHIP below or at the national website.
- Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) offers information through
the Department of Elderly Affairs Customer Information Center. Referrals
are made to local counselors through the toll-free line. It can be reached at:
401-462-3000
http://www.dea.state.ri.us/
www.nmha.org/medicare
For more information or questions, please email schrinfo@nmha.org or
call 1-800-969-6642
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