The QJCC offers free assistance to individuals who may be confused about their Medicare benefits. The Council will review recipients’ current drug plans and the medicine they take to help them choose the best plan that meets their needs.
   Zalisky also discussed the new “Step Therapy,” in which those individuals beginning drug therapy for a medical condition choose cost-effective generic drugs before switching to brand-name drugs.
   The executive director also tackled the New York State EPIC Plan. With limited exceptions, the plan calls for EPIC members without other primary drug coverage to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan. If seniors do not already have Part D, EPIC will help them select and enroll in a Medicare plan based on their drug and pharmaceutical needs.
   Medicare provides primary drug coverage and EPIC coverage is secondary. Using the two plans together results in greater savings, Zalisky explained, and drug costs that are not covered by Medicare — including deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance and coverage gap — can be submitted to EPIC.
   Lindenwood resident Sue Bildner was among those attendees planning to take advantage of QJCC’s free help. Referring to Part D as “terrible,” she said she uses many prescription medications and finds herself in the donut hole every year.
   To learn more, call QJCC at (718) 544-9033 or visit qjcc.org.