NY S00355

Expands eligibility for New York's Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program to include individuals enrolled in public or private drug plans that meet or exceed Medicare Part D coverage standards, not just Medicare Part D itself

Requires the Department of Health to assess health plans submitted by insurers to determine whether their prescription drug coverage meets or exceeds the actuarial value of Medicare Part D standard coverage

Allows individuals enrolled in health plans with prescription drug coverage to request the Department of Health evaluate whether their plan qualifies as comparable to Medicare Part D for EPIC eligibility purposes

Mandates the Department of Health maintain and publish an online list of health plans that qualify as meeting or exceeding Medicare Part D standards, with ongoing monitoring for continued compliance

Takes effect on the first of April following enactment, with the Department of Health required to notify all insurers providing prescription drug coverage in New York about the new provisions and EPIC eligibility criteria