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.

The state of Alaska totally funds the ASAP program. ASAP benefits are considered assistance based on need (ABON) and are excluded from income per SI 00830.175. Like the ASAP monthly payments, the prescription drug benefits have no affect on SSI and are provided in the form of a card that the recipient uses to purchase drugs until the annual benefit amount is reached.