MEDICARE SECTION

WHAT IS EPIC and HOW TO QUALIFY and APPLY? - New York State Prescription Discount Program

Let’s talk about EPIC again. I have mentioned the EPIC program (what I call the “NY State Prescription Discount Program”) to my clients in past meetings and what the program is generally about. I have also encouraged my clients to apply for this benefit and to call EPIC to find out more about the program, to get started.

EPIC has a new application, see attached.



To qualify the income requirements are for MARRIED (both have to make under $100,000) for SINGLE (under $75,000). These income requirements have changed since you might remember your parents being enrolled in the EPIC program. The income qualifications are higher to qualify. EPIC looks at your prior years tax return to verify income. For MARRIED, the couples income is looked at even if one is applying.

EPIC may pay the Part D monthly drug plan premiums up to the average cost of a basic Medicare drug plan, $38.90 per month in 2023.

The better news is that if you want to change your Medicare plan being enrolled in the EPIC program gives you an SEP (Special Enrollment Period) to change your Medicare plan, even if you never use the benefits of EPIC. The change can be made any time during the year, one time per year. See the EPIC program highlights, attached.

Here is the EPIC phone number for more information: EPIC Helpline at: 1–800–332–3742

HEALTH SECTION

Mediterranean Eating – making some changes, better choices

• Substitute beans for meat, snack on nuts instead of chips, and try having Greek yogurt with nuts or fruit for dessert.
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• Swap butter and refined seed oils for olive oil in cooking, use hummus, tahini, nut butter or mashed avocado on a sandwich/ wrap, instead of mayonnaise or cheese.