S. 6697 Summary

• Expands the elderly pharmaceutical insurance coverage (EPIC) program to cover seniors with incomes up to $20,000 (unmarried) and $26,000 (married) under comprehensive coverage, and up to $35,000 and $50,000 respectively under new catastrophic coverage.

• Removes the requirement that participants be enrolled in Medicare Part D to receive EPIC benefits, though enrollment is still required as a condition of continued eligibility unless it would cause financial hardship or loss of other health coverage.

• Creates a new five-member Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Panel to oversee the program, replacing sole authority of the commissioner of health, with representatives from education, health, financial services, the aging office, and budget.

• Establishes a catastrophic coverage option with deductibles ranging from $530-$1,230 annually for those with incomes between $20,001-$50,000, complementing the existing comprehensive coverage with registration fees.

• Authorizes the program to provide temporary medication supplies during Medicare Part D appeal processes and requires the program to facilitate enrollment and represent participants in pursuing Medicare coverage coordination and appeals.