In an effort to help more local seniors better afford their health care costs, lawmakers in Albany have approved a reduction of fees for the state's Elderly Pharmaceutical Coverage Program.

As of July 1, the fees seniors are asked to pay for the program, known more commonly by its acronym, EPIC, were slashed to help broaden its appeal to senior citizens.

Begun in 1987, EPIC is a state-operated program that helps low and moderate income seniors buy their prescription medicine.

EPIC covers all new and refilled prescriptions for both brand name and generic drugs. Once enrolled, seniors pay a co-payment at the pharmacy and save more than half the cost of their medicines.

Presently some 94,000 New York State residents, aged 65 and up, take advantage of EPIC's savings.

"With the changes to the EPIC program, fees are nearly half of what they used to be," said Assemblyman Tom Alfano, who has made educating his older constituents about the program one of his top priorities.

"Now, many more people will be able to take advantage of this program than ever have in the past.

"In addition, those seniors who came to my office for EPIC Day last April, their premiums are going to be cut even further," he continued.

The assemblyman explained that the improvements to the program came in direct response to suggestions from seniors about how the make EPIC work more efficiently for more people.

In addition to the reduction of fees, the income limits for the program have been increased.

Seniors may now get with the program if they are age 65 or older, live in New York State and have an annual income below $18,500 if they are single; or a joint income under $24,400 if they are married.

"One of the problems we found in talking to locals about EPIC was that we had people who were just missing the cut-off point. In one man's case, he missed it by just $15," said M. Scott Cushing, an aide to Assemblyman Alfano.

"It was one of those things where a Social Security payment or a retirement check was putting something that should be of benefit to our constituents just a little out of reach.

"So in adopting this correction, the assemblyman and his colleagues weren't dealing with rectifying an inequity, but just ironing out some of the wrinkles in the way the original program was structured," Cushing said.

Seniors who are currently enrolled in the program will have their enrollment pro-rated so that they too will receive the enhanced benefits of EPIC immediately.

"I'm encouraging all those interested in this very worthwhile program to call 1-800-332-3742 for more information," Assemblyman Alfano said.