Assemblyman 130th Assembly District
JOSEPH A. ERRIGO
| For
immediate release: March 21st, 2005 |
Contact: Adam Peterson (585) 334-5210 |
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District Office: 3045 East Henrietta Rd., Henrietta, NY 14467 Albany Office: Rm 427 LOB, Albany, NY 12248 |
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COLUMN BY ASSEMBLYMAN ERRIGO
FOR THE WEEK OF: 3/21/05
EPIC PRESCRIPTION PLAN OFFERS SAVINGS TO SENIOR CITIZENS
Did you know that eligible senior
citizens who enroll in the state's Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage
(EPIC) Program can save an average of 75 percent of their prescription
costs?
Most people do not know that EPIC was created by the
state Legislature to help New York's senior population cope with the
escalating costs of prescription drugs. Eligibility is extended to state
residents who are 65 years of age or older with an annual income under
$35,000 if single, or under $50,000 if married.
Seniors who are single and have an annual income no
greater than $20,000 or are married with a joint income no greater than
$26,000 would enroll in EPIC's fee plan. Recipients pay an annual fee of
between $8 and $300, depending on income and marital status, and save
approximately 75 percent on prescriptions at participating pharmacies.
Seniors who are single and have an annual income
between $20,000 and $35,000, or married with a joint income between $26,000
and $50,000, would enroll in the deductible plan. Rather than pay a fee,
recipients must meet an annual deductible of between $530 and $1,715,
depending on income and marital status. Once the deductible is reached,
seniors would save approximately 75 percent on their prescription costs.
EPIC eligibility guidelines and application forms are
available by calling the toll-free program number at (800) 332-3742 between
8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
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