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History
- Committed to rules
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.947
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to aging
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to aging
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Relates to income eligibility under the EPIC program
In Assembly Committee · Aging · Sponsor James F. Brennan
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S254
Title of bill
An act to amend the elder law, in relation to eligibility under the program for elderly pharmaceutical insurance coverage
Purpose or general idea of bill
To allow seniors to retain their eligibility in the EPIC program if they have previously qualified but are no longer eligible because of an increase in a public or private pension or social security benefit.
Summary of provisions
Adds a new paragraph (i) to section 242 of the elder law to allow an individual to remain eligible for the EPIC program if they were previously eligible but are no longer solely due to an increase in a public or private pension or in social security benefits. Increase amount cannot exceed consumer price index.
Justification
The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program assists seniors with the financial burden of prescription drug costs. The EPIC program provides thousands of seniors with a vital service by paying a portion of their prescription drug costs. Residents of New York state who are 65 or older with an annual income up to $35,000 (single) or $50,000 (married) are eligible.
It would be unfair to punish seniors who were previously eligible for EPIC but are no longer eligible solely due to a cost of living adjustment. As these income adjustments are minimal, they should not hinder the eligibility of seniors currently enrolled in the program.
Legislative history
S.1454/A.6646 of 2009/2010; Referred to Finance S.511-A/A.7923-A of 2007/2008; Referred to Senate Finance Committee/Passed Assembly 2005-06: A.302 - Passed Assembly 2003-04: A.1429 - Ways & Means 2001-02: A.5149 - Passed Assembly
Fiscal implications
Minimal as this will apply to seniors previously determined eligible.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.