$458 million for the EPIC program: 2002-2003 proposed Executive Budget
$360
million: 2001-2002 proposed Executive budget (Actual 01-02 expenditures
based on enrollment)
The Governor in his Executive Budget has proposed $458
million for EPIC for fiscal year 2002-2003. This amount is based on projected
enrollment (see above chart). EPIC is an entitlement, therefore, all seniors who
apply will be guaranteed enrollment. The state is trying to control costs by
enacting more stringent regulations to ensure that EPIC is the payee of last
resort. HCRA (Health Care Reform Act) passed by the Legislature on January 15,
2002, contains the specifics of these cost control measures. Click here for
entire bill text: http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=S06084
Last year, the Governor proposed $360 million for EPIC in
his Executive Budget, however the actual amount utilized will be more, depending
on the final accounting of participation.
HCRA is now responsible for funding 100% of this program, where in previous years, funding was derived from a variety of sources.