NY S02535

Expands eligibility for New York's elderly pharmaceutical insurance coverage program to include public or private drug plans that are as generous as or more generous than Medicare Part D, in addition to Medicare Part D enrollment.

Allows the program to pay premiums for comparable drug plans (up to the low-income benchmark premium amount) for unmarried participants with annual income ≤$23,000 and married participants with joint annual income ≤$29,000.

Authorizes the elderly pharmaceutical insurance coverage program to represent participants in matters related to their Medicare Part D or comparable coverage.

Permits the program to cover drugs under comparable plans and Medicare Part D excluded drug classes, with participants responsible for point-of-sale co-payments but not deductibles.

Takes effect April 1 following enactment.