Almost 95,000 seniors are now members of New York State's Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program. Many more seniors are eligible and could be saving over half the costs of their prescriptions. To help Elmont, Floral Park and Bellerose Village and Terrace seniors learn more about EPIC, Assemblyman Tom Alfano is hosting an Epic enrollment day at his office at 925 Hempstead Turnpike (EAB building) in Franklin Square on April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Cutting prescription costs for seniors on fixed incomes is my goal in sponsoring this outreach program," said Assemblyman Alfano. EPIC is a New York State sponsored program that helps lower income seniors save on their prescription medicines. The program currently helps almost 95,000 seniors save on their prescription medicines. For many enrollees, using EPIC can make the difference between affording expensive medicines and going without them.

Seniors can join EPIC if they are 65 or older, live in New York State, and meet certain income guidelines. Legislation was passed in 1996 that increased the program's income limits. Now, seniors who are single with annual incomes up to $18,000 and married seniors with combined incomes up to $23,700, are eligible to join EPIC.

EPIC covers almost all prescription medicines, including brand name and less expensive generic drugs. EPIC also provides coverage for insulin and insulin syringes and needles. Almost all pharmacies in New York State participate in EPIC.

A recent study demonstrated that before they joined EPIC, many seniors were not able to buy all their prescribed medicines. The study also showed that EPIC's seniors were hospitalized and admitted to nursing homes less often than the general senior population, showing the importance of being able to afford prescriptions.

Here is a quote from one grateful EPIC member: "I am a senior citizen who is 90. My prescriptions cost over $300 each month. I used to worry a lot about paying for my medicines. After learning about EPIC, I cut my prescriptions in half. EPIC is very important to me."

If you, or a family member or friend, are interested in learning more about how EPIC can help you, Assemblyman Alfano encourages you to come to his office on April 9.

For more information or an application, call 437-5577