|
|
 |
|
|
200,000 N.Y. Seniors Sign On to Senate�s Prescription Savings Plan
Sunday, June 3, 2001
State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno today announced that EPIC+, the Senate-sponsored expansion of New York�s program to help seniors pay for costly prescription drugs, has reached a new milestone with more than 200,000 participants -- twice the number of just six months ago.
The Senate reforms that fueled the enrollment surge provided dramatically higher income eligibility levels and slashed co-payments and deductibles to save participants hundreds and even thousands of dollars each year on prescription costs.
"It is clear from the dramatic increase in enrollees that the Senate�s EPIC+ plan was exactly the right prescription for helping senior citizens deal with the high cost of medicines," said Senator Bruno (R-C, Brunswick). "Now, hundreds of thousands of New York seniors are getting the prescription drug price relief they need to stay healthy and active without breaking their personal and family budget."
Under EPIC+, seniors aged 65 and above who meet income eligibility requirements can save 50 percent or more on prescription drug costs without changing pharmacists in most cases.
Income limits under the Senate�s expanded EPIC+ program were raised to $50,000 for married couples and $35,000 for individuals, and co-payments and deductibles were slashed 20 percent, providing additional savings for senior citizens already enrolled.
On average, senior citizens save $1,700 a year on prescription costs with EPIC+.
The new limits took effect Jan. 1, although eligible senior citizens could enroll beginning last Oct. 1.
"Senior citizens told us that the high cost of prescription drugs was forcing to choose between medicines they need and other of life�s necessities, like meals, heat and adequate housing," Senator Bruno said. "EPIC+ shows our commitment to helping seniors meet their basic needs, like protecting their health, so that they can enjoy life to the fullest."
The EPIC+ expansion was made possible by the Senate�s infusion of $180 million to the state budget to fund the prescription drug assistance program.
Additional information on EPIC+, including applications and information about deductibles and co-payments, can be obtained from Senator Bruno�s office, or by calling the Health Department�s toll-free "Helpline" at (800) 332-3742.
[BIOGRAPHY] [DISTRICT MAP] [PHOTO GALLERY] [LEGISLATION] [CONSTITUENT SERVICES] [YOUR OPINION COUNTS] [GUESTBOOK] [PRIVACY POLICY] [SENATE INSIDER] [CONTACT INFO] [HOME/NEWS]