Director's welcome

Dear Medicare Beneficiaries,

The Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs is pleased to provide you with information about an important new federal health care initiative from the Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) called Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.

This federal government initiative represents the most significant change to Medicare since 1965 and will help Rhode Island’s seniors save money on prescription drugs, regardless of their health insurance program.

The federal government has asked the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs (RIDEA) to assist members of the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly (RIPAE) program with their prescription drug decisions. With this Information Guide, you will be able to better understand Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, who is eligible and the enrollment process.

In addition, you can look forward to many other opportunities in your area to learn more about Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage from RIDEA.

We hope that the federal Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage program will help Rhode Island seniors afford the prescriptions they need to stay healthy. We look forward to assisting you in making the best health care decisions for you and your family.

Sincerely,

Corinne Calise Russo
Director, Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs