No More Automatic EPIC "Wrap Around" Coverage for Medicare Part D Enrollees
August 19, 2010
As part of the state budget process, changes are coming to the EPIC program (the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage program, New York State’s prescription drug program for older adults).  The changes affect people who have EPIC and Medicare Part D Read More

Special enrollment period for beneficiaries in non-renewing plans
February 2, 2010
CMS is sending reminder notices to selected beneficiaries affected by plan non-renewals for contract year 2010. The notices are going to individuals who lost Part D coverage through an MA-PDP or PDP plan as of December 31, 2009, and who were not enrolled in another MA-PDP or PDP as of January 25, 2010. Read More

Medicare with Medicaid: Maximizing Health Coverage for Dual Eligibles
December 1, 2009
This outline will help you find ways to get the best coverage for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Read More

What Happens After My Medicare Savings Program (MSP) Application is Approved
Fact Sheet for QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) Recipients
September 4, 2009
A fact sheet answering common questions regarding the Medicare Savings Program Read More

New York's Prescription Drug Safety Net Survives Another Tough Budget Year
August 13, 2009
Medicare is now the nation’s largest public payor of prescription drugs, due to the implementation of the Part D prescription drug benefit in 2006. Read More

The Medicare planfinder tool
get (almost) all the info you'll ever need to help you pick the best possible prescription drug plan
June 10, 2009
CMS (the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) has developed a very helpful online "planfinder" tool which you can access at www.medicare.gov -- you can run a general or personalized search of all the drug plans offered in your service area, and obtain detailed information about plan formularies (including utlization requirements), co-pays and monthly premiums, network pharmacies and more. Read More

Pathways to Extra Help
the Part D low income subsidy and how it can help your clients
June 5, 2009
There is a special program called the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) which helps with Medicare Part D cost sharing. LIS is also known as "Extra Help." The Social Security Administration administers LIS -- you don't apply through your Part D plan. Read More

EPIC - Prescription Drug Assistance for Seniors
June 3, 2009
New York has a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) to help low- to moderate-income older adults pay for prescription drugs. The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program, administered by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), provides prescription drug coverage for New York State residents age 65 and older. Read More

CMS Prescription Drug Benefit Manual
March 13, 2009
CMS' (the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services') comprehensive policy manual governing Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Read More