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Improving our quality of life
Keeping prescription drugs affordable
The rising cost of prescription drugs is a hard pill to swallow for many Staten Islanders who must choose between paying for
the medicines they need to stay healthy and other daily necessities. To help make prescriptions more affordable, Cusick:
- Supported a measure allowing seniors to continue to receive EPIC prescription drug benefits while residing at a nursing
home (A.10540A)
- Sponsored a measure requiring the state Department of Health to compile a list of the top 25 most prescribed medications
for seniors. The DOH would then create a cost comparison survey of local pharmacies, which would be available free-of-charge
(A.10991)
Providing oversight of Assisted Living facilities
Cusick sponsored the “Assisted Living Reform Act” – which will protect the health and well-being of seniors by requiring state
oversight and licensing of assisted living facilities with important consumer protections to ensure seniors health and safety
(A.11820/S.7748).
Helping seniors stay independent and safe
To help seniors get the care they need without sacrificing their independence or safety, Cusick:
- Supported a measure giving seniors the ability to prosecute a nursing home or adult home operator who endangers the health,
safety and well-being of residents (A.8621)
- Supported the law to increase income eligibility for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) from $20,000 to
$24,000 – allowing more seniors to enjoy the benefits of stabilized rents, helping them afford food, prescription drugs and other
necessities (Ch. 382 of 2003)
Cutting the tax burden
Seniors living on fixed-incomes are often hit hardest by property tax increases and inflation. Cusick worked to provide relief by:
- Introduced the law that makes more seniors eligible for the “Over 65” property tax exemption by increasing the income threshold
from $21,500 to $24,000 (Ch. 512 of 2003)
- Sponsored a measure authorizing a $210 earned income tax credit to eligible taxpayers for three consecutive years
- Sponsored a bill expanding the Circuit Breaker program, that offers meaningful tax relief to tens of thousands of New Yorkers
statewide – including a $750 maximum tax credit for eligible seniors (A.11704)
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