The state’s Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program has had $30.6 million restored to its budget for its copayment program, which had been cut at the beginning of the year.

“It is our understanding that this restoration will bring back the co-payment assistance under EPIC that was cut in last year’s budget,” a statement from AARP said.

Under this proposal, seniors on EPIC will go back to paying no more than $20 for each prescription instead of paying 25 percent of the cost of the drug.

“I pushed to include $30.6 million in restorations to the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage program in the 2012-13 state budget – helping reinstate co-payment assistance,” said 118th District Assemblywoman Addie Russell.

“This crucial measure will allow seniors enrolled in the EPIC program to return to paying no more than a $20 co-payment for each prescription drug,” said Russell, a Democrat from Theresa. The benefit will be available beginning in January 2013, she said.

“As the cost of living continues to rise, many seniors struggle to make ends meet, and can no longer afford the staggering cost of medication,” Russell said. “By restoring this vital funding to EPIC, we can help North Country seniors afford their prescription drugs, protecting their health and well-being.

Russell represents parts of St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties in the Assembly.

“Brining back this part of the EPIC program has been a priority. I am relieved that we have been successful, and encourage seniors to look for program details as they become available. In the meantime, please reach out for assistance if you are having difficulty affording your medications so that we can explore other programs that may be able to provide immediate help.”

“Since the devastating EPIC cut took effect on January 1 of this year, we have been hearing very troubling stories of seniors leaving the pharmacy counter without their medications because EPIC no longer provided co-pay assistance,’ said the AARP statement.

The Legislature is expected to pass the state budget, which will include the EPIC agreement, by the end of the week.