Pataki Hypes Drug Plan, Then Tries To Cut Its Funding

Three to four times a day, Radio Station WQXR has broadcast a public service message from Gov. George Pataki urging eligible seniors to sign up for the States EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Plan) that can save them more than a thousand dollars a year on prescriptions. But according to State Assemblyman Ivan Lafayette of Jackson Heights, the Governor is seeking to withdraw funding from the popular drug reduction plan to raise salaries of hospital workers who are members of the powerful New York City hospital workers union, Local 1199.
According to Lafayette, the bill, that would undercut the state drug reduction program, is actually tied in to next falls election, as the Governor seeks to gain the support of Dennis Rivera, president of the hospital workers union.
In the taped radio announcements, Pataki appealed to eligible seniors to call the EPIC 800 line to sign up for the plan. The spot also features a glowing endorsement of the plan by a Manhattan resident who enrolled in EPIC.
"Now theres no reason to have to choose between eating and buying medicine," one senior citizen said to the radio audience.
A WQXR spokesperson said the EPIC spot aired from October to the first week in January. Lafayette said he was concerned that the Pataki health bill would deprive workers in public hospitals who belong to a separate union, DC 37 such as Elmhurst General Hospital and Queens Hospital Center of their raises.
He also said that the Pataki legislation would reduce reimbursements for Medicaid patients purchasing prescription drugs.
State Senator Daniel Hevesi of Forest Hills criticized the backhanded manner in which Pataki has marketed his health bill. "I dont like what Im hearing. This is a major part of the total State budget and were not getting relevant information. This is a closed process."
Governor Patakis office did not return calls seeking comment.