Senator Fuschillo Votes to Expand Access to Epic Prescription Drug Program

LEGISLATION PASSED BY STATE SENATE WOULD HELP MORE SENIORS QUALIFY FOR EPIC PROGRAM BY RAISING INCOME LIMITS 

            State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8^th Senate District) recently voted in favor of legislation that would enable more senior citizens to lower their prescription drug costs through New York State’s EPIC program. EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage) is a state run program which helps seniors ages 65 and over pay for their prescription drugs.

             The legislation would help more seniors to qualify for the EPIC program by raising the program’s income limits. The program would be expanded so that unmarried seniors with an income under $50,000 per year and married senior couples making under $75,000 per year would be eligible. Right now, only unmarried seniors with an income of under $35,000 and married senior couples with a income under $50,000 qualify for the EPIC program.

             “Many senior citizens living on fixed incomes need help paying for their medications in order to make ends meet. Raising the EPIC income limits would allow more seniors to participate, saving them money and lowering their prescription drug costs,” said Senator Fuschillo.

             Senior citizens who would like more information about New York State’s EPIC program can call the toll-free EPIC helpline at 1-800-332-3742.

             The legislation was passed by the State Senate and has been sent to the Assembly for consideration.