NY S00966

Expands eligibility for the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program to include any public or private drug plan demonstrated to CMS as equally or more generous than Medicare Part D coverage, in addition to Medicare Part D itself.

Allows the program to pay premiums for eligible participants (unmarried individuals with annual income ≤$23,000 or married couples with joint income ≤$29,000) enrolled in comparable drug plans, limited to the low-income benchmark premium amount.

Authorizes the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program to represent participants with respect to their Medicare Part D or comparable plan coverage.

Permits the program to pay for drugs covered under comparable plans and drugs in Medicare Part D excluded drug classes, provided they meet the definition of covered drugs and comply with co-payment requirements.

Takes effect on April 1 following the date the bill becomes law.