Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. (8th Senate District), a member of the Senate's Health Committee, recently held a free community meeting at the Brady Park Senior Center to show residents how to save money on their prescription drug costs.

The meeting informed those in attendance about the EPIC program, which is a New York State sponsored prescription plan that helps eligible senior citizens reduce their drug costs. A representative from the EPIC program was on hand to explain how the program works and answer questions from the audience.

The EPIC program is open to New York State residents ages 65 or older who have an annual income of $35,000 or less if single, or $50,000 or less if married. The plan covers almost all prescription medicines, both brand name and generic, as well as insulin, insulin syringes and needles. According to the New York State Department of Health, over 340,000 seniors already belong.

"Enrolling in EPIC will allow seniors to save on their prescription drugs, and many residents are unaware of the benefits of this state program. This forum was an opportunity for seniors to learn how the program works and ask questions, enabling them to decide if it is right for them," stated Fuschillo.

For more information about the EPIC program, or to obtain an application, please call 1-800-332-3742 (TTY 1-800-290-9138) or Fuschillo's office at 546-4100.