Just Ask SeniorsNL

These are real questions asked by seniors, and those who support them, on SeniorsNL’s information line.

Q. I need new glasses but I am worried about how expensive they are going to be.

Is there any financial help for seniors to get glasses?

A. There is a Vision Care benefit for adults with a low income. To see if you are eligible for this, call Income Support at 1-866-417-4753 and they will do a financial assessment with you over the phone.

If you are eligible, the benefit will provide up to $55 towards an eye exam and up to $125 for regular glasses (or $175 for bifocals). Please note that you must be approved for this benefit before you have your eye exam and before you purchase your glasses. This program will not cover services that you have already paid for.

Q. My income is just a little too much to be eligible for the 65Plus drug card, but I pay a lot for prescriptions every month. Are there any government programs to help pay for drugs?

A. Yes, there are several other drug plans that you may be eligible for under the NL Prescription Drug Program. For instance, the Access Plan is available to individuals with a net annual income of $27,151 or less or to couples with a net annual income of $30,009 or less.

How much the program will cover for your prescriptions depends on your income.

For more information on the Access or other prescription plans, call the NL Prescription Drug Program at: 1-888-859-3535.

Do you have a question that you would like answered in this column? If so, send it to SeniorsNL by email at info@ seniorsnl.ca or by mail to 243 Topsail Road, Suite 110, St. John’s, NL, A1E 0G5. Or feel free to call us with a question about a seniors’ issue, service, or concern on our toll-free information line at 1-800563-5599. Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter and visit our website at SeniorsNL.ca