WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded more than $159,000 to local programs that help the most vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries in Rhode Island apply for Medicare benefits, including low-income subsidies and Part D drug coverage.

The money is going to the R.I. State Health Insurance Assistance Program, the Area Agencies on Aging, and Aging and Disability Resource Centers.

“The Rhode Island SHIP serves an important role in providing information and support to people with Medicare all across Rhode Island,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in a news release. “This new funding will help to ensure that the Rhode Island State Health Insurance Assistance Program continues to work with local governments, community-based organizations and other partners in Rhode Island to help meet the needs of our most vulnerable seniors and individuals with disabilities with Medicare.”

The grant to Rhode Island is part of the $30 million being awarded nationally as a result of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008. •