June 2025: Dignity Alliance Massachusetts welcomes ongoing discussions led by the Executive Office of Aging and Independence (AGE) regarding the future of Prescription Advantage and the best use of available resources to support older adults and people with disabilities.
The Current State of Prescription Advantage in Massachusetts
Federal reforms to Medicare prescription drug coverage have substantially changed the environment in which Prescription Advantage operates. Expanded Medicare Part D protections, including the elimination of the coverage gap and new limits on out-of-pocket costs, have reduced the need for state supplemental prescription assistance programs for most beneficiaries.
As AGE evaluates future options for Prescription Advantage, Dignity Alliance appreciates the Secretary’s willingness to engage stakeholders in thoughtful discussions about how available resources can best serve older adults and individuals with disabilities.
At this stage, no final decisions have been announced regarding the future structure, timeline, or disposition of Prescription Advantage. Accordingly, Dignity Alliance believes it is important that stakeholders receive clear information regarding any proposed changes and their implications for consumers and community-based services.
The Future of Options Counseling
Of particular interest is the future of Options Counseling, a vital service that assists older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers in understanding and accessing long-term services and supports. Effective Options Counseling helps individuals remain in their homes and communities, supports informed decision-making, and can reduce unnecessary institutionalization.
Dignity Alliance supports efforts to strengthen community-based care navigation and welcomes discussion of whether unspent Prescription Advantage funds may be used to support services such as Options Counseling. However, stakeholders should have access to clear information regarding:
- Current and projected Prescription Advantage expenditures and balances.
- The legal and administrative authority governing the use of unspent funds.
- The anticipated impact of any reallocation on aging services and supports.
- Current and projected funding levels for Options Counseling.
- The number of individuals currently receiving services through both programs.
Importance of Home and Community-Based Services
The Commonwealth has increasingly emphasized home- and community-based services as the preferred setting for long-term care. Achieving that goal requires strong and adequately funded systems of information, counseling, and care navigation. As Massachusetts continues to modernize its aging and disability services network, preserving and strengthening these supports should remain a central priority.
Conclusion
Dignity Alliance looks forward to continued discussions with AGE, Aging Services Access Points, advocates, providers, consumers, and legislators regarding the future of Prescription Advantage and Options Counseling. We are committed to working collaboratively to ensure that any programmatic changes improve transparency, protect beneficiaries, and strengthen the Commonwealth’s capacity to support older adults and people with disabilities in the community.
For additional information, contact:
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts
Paul.lanzikos@gmail.com
www.dignityalliancema.org