Saving money on prescription drugs can be an EPIC experience

There are several ways senior citizens can lower the cost of prescription drugs through a low income subsidy program known as Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage, or EPIC.

To be eligible for EPIC, Medicare beneficiaries must have an annual income of up to $75,000 (single) or $100,000 (married) be enrolled in a Part D prescription drug plan either through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage HMO health plan, and are not receiving full Medicaid benefits.

EPIC, which is operated by the New York State Department of Health, allows members to enroll in Part D prescription drug plans at any time during the year.

Other benefits for existing members include an annual, one-time Medicare plan change, Part D premium assistance and help covering co-payments.

EPIC benefits, which kick in after the Part D deductible is met, will pay Part D premiums for any member whose income is less than $23,000 (single) or $29,000 (married).

Members pay an annual fee from $3 to $20 based on a sliding income scale.

To apply, download a form from health.ny.gov or call (800) 332-3742.

Other ways to lower your prescription drug costs according to medicare.gov:

• Look into generic drugs. Ask your doctor if there are generics that will work as well as your current brand-name drugs

• Ask your doctor about less expensive brand-name drugs

• Consider using mail-order pharmacies

• Use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare Medicare drug plans to find a plan with lower costs - Find out if your state offers help paying for drug costs

• Find out if the company that makes your drug offers help paying for it.