Assemblywoman Addie Russell is making a pitch for the final state budget to restore funding for a drug coverage plan for senior citizens.

“Slashing Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) funding would have a dire effect on our North Country seniors,” the 118th District Assemblywoman said.

“That is why I voted in favor of an Assembly budget proposal restoring $34 million of the governor’s proposed cuts. While we made some very difficult decisions to close the $10 billion budget deficit, we also have an obligation to protect seniors’ access to quality, affordable health care.”

Russell explained that the EPIC program currently provides over 300,000 enrollees with secondary coverage for prescription drug costs. “Our proposal restores funding to ensure no program benefits are eliminated.

“The Assembly plan doesn’t force all EPIC participants to join a Medicare Part D drug plan. The proposal also continues the vital ‘wraparound’ coverage for prescription drugs not covered by Medicare, as well as state payment assistance for Part D premiums and deductibles. Eliminating this aid could cost seniors up to $1,000 or more annually.

“For many older New Yorkers on fixed incomes, making any reductions to EPIC could be especially disastrous. We can’t put seniors in a position where they must choose between putting food on the table and obtaining the medicine they need. Restoring EPIC funding in our budget ensures that seniors receive the support they need at all times,” the assemblywoman said.