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Bill

A 841

Authorizes the commissioner of health to adopt policies to exclude certain non-recurring items from income for the program for elderly pharmaceutical insurance cover

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Benedetto and 13 co-sponsors

Summary of Bill A 841 Purpose and IntentThe main purpose of this bill is to authorize the commissioner of health to adopt policies that would exclude certain non-recurring items fr

ENACTING CLAUSE STRICKEN
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Bill Summary · A 841

Summary of Bill A 841

Purpose and Intent

The main purpose of this bill is to authorize the commissioner of health to adopt policies that would exclude certain non-recurring items from income calculations for the Program for Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC). This program provides prescription drug coverage assistance to eligible elderly New York residents.

Key Provisions

  • Allows the health commissioner to establish policies that would exclude specific non-recurring income sources when determining a person's eligibility for and cost-sharing requirements under the EPIC program.
  • Non-recurring income sources that could be excluded include, but are not limited to, lump-sum payments, inheritances, insurance settlements, and one-time cash windfalls.
  • Gives the commissioner discretion to determine which non-recurring income sources should be excluded and under what circumstances.
  • Requires the commissioner to consult with stakeholders, including EPIC enrollees and advocacy groups, when developing these policies.

Affected Parties

  • This bill would primarily impact elderly New Yorkers who are enrolled or seek to enroll in the EPIC program to receive assistance with their prescription drug costs.
  • By excluding certain non-recurring income, more seniors may become eligible for the program or receive greater cost savings on their medications.
  • The New York State Department of Health, which administers the EPIC program, would be responsible for implementing the commissioner's new policies.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced in the New York State Assembly on January 9, 2024.
  • Its current status is that the "ENACTING CLAUSE" has been stricken, meaning the bill has been amended or revised in some way.
  • This bill is related to several prior-session bills (listed above) that also dealt with the EPIC program or pharmaceutical assistance for the elderly.

Overall, this legislation aims to provide greater flexibility and financial relief for elderly New Yorkers participating in the state's prescription drug assistance program by allowing the exclusion of certain non-recurring income sources when determining their eligibility and cost-sharing responsibilities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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