Senator Martins: More Seniors Eligible for Prescription Drug Savings Under New Epic Income Limits

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District) announced that New York State has expanded the income thresholds for its Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program to allow more seniors to qualify for prescription drug savings. 

     EPIC’s income eligibility thresholds have been raised from $35,000 to $75,000 for single seniors and from $50,000 to $100,000 for married seniors. Senator Martins supported the program expansion as part of this year’s state budget. 

     EPIC is a state program for income eligible seniors ages 65 and older administered by the New York State Department of Health to help seniors supplement their out of pocket Medicare Part D drug plan costs. According to the Department of Health, seniors can apply for EPIC at any time of the year and must be enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in a Medicare Part D drug plan to receive EPIC benefits and maintain coverage. 

     Seniors who would like more information about enrolling in the EPIC program can call the State’s EPIC hotline at 800-332-3742.