State Drug Program for Elderly Saves Big Under Medicare Rx; Aarp Says New York has Opportunity to Strengthen State Pharmacy Program

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ALBANY, N.Y., Dec. 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Today, AARP New York called upon state leaders to strengthen the state's pharmaceutical insurance program (EPIC) for the low and middle income elderly by effectively coordinating it with the new Medicare Drug law. AARP supports coordinating the two drug programs to maintain EPIC funding during difficult budget times and also "free up" state dollars to extend benefits to New Yorkers who lack any federal or state prescription drug coverage.

Coordinating the EPIC program with Medicare would need to occur before the new federal prescription drug program takes effect in January 2006. New York State will receive $34 million over a two year period from the federal government to educate EPIC enrollees about the Medicare drug benefit and to aid in the coordination or enrollment into the new program.

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State Drug Program for Elderly Saves Big Under Medicare Rx; Aarp Says New York has Opportunity to Strengthen State Pharmacy Program

"AARP strongly believes the first priority of our state elected officials in coordinating the two drug benefit plans...

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