The final Alaska Longevity Bonus (ALB) payment was received by Alaska residents in
August 2003. To help Alaska seniors who no longer receive ALB benefits, the Alaska
Governor's Office approved a $120 monthly payment to all citizens age 65 and older
who meet the income and resource needs test under the Alaska Senior Assistance Program
(ASAP), also known as Senior Care. Beginning April 1, 2004, individuals whose income
is below 135 percent of the poverty level or who are ineligible for Medicaid may choose,
instead of the monthly cash payment, to receive up to $1,600 per year in prescription
drug benefits.
One other category of prescription drug benefits is available for Alaska seniors who
do not qualify for the monthly ASAP cash payment. If an individual does not qualify
for the $120 ASAP payment and has income placing the individual above 135 percent
of the poverty level but below 150 percent of the poverty level, the individual qualifies
for $1,000 in annual prescription drug benefits.
No ASAP payments or prescription drug benefits are available after December 31, 2005.