AARP New York joined lawmakers at the State Capitol to urge Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign legislation that would reduce utility costs for older New Yorkers enrolled in the state’s discount prescription drug program. It would automatically enroll individuals who are in the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) in the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Geneva Conway of Albany said reliable access to the internet and a lack of understanding of the enrollment process can create barriers for a lot of older New Yorkers who are eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP. But that’s not the only hurdle.

“Many of my friends and family, as well as members of my Albany church, are too proud to ask for anything that sounds like a giveaway,” she said, emphasizing her support for the bill.

If you plan to take advantage of the program if it is signed into law, Laurie Wheelock, executive director and counsel for the Public Utility Law Project, stressed that the streamlined approach to enrollment would also unlock additional benefits provided to those enrolled in HEAP.

“Taking the information from EPIC, directing people right into the HEAP program so they can get heating assistance when they need it, then our utility companies have an energy affordability program,” she told reporters.

As questions surround other legislation and programming intended to assist the state in transitioning away from fossil fuels, Assemblymember Pat Fahy argued that the bill represents a small part of the puzzle.

“In the meantime, we have to address the issue that’s right here, and that’s the affordability for our seniors,” she said.

Along those lines, the bill’s co-sponsor, Assemblymember John McDonald, explained that he feels the state needs to find ways to reassure New Yorkers as it transitions away from fossil fuels, and that can done by quelling fears about affordability.

“The program helps some of those fears and concerns, and it’s something that needs to be part of a larger discussion as we move forward and make that transition toward all-electric in the future,” he said.

Columbia University and the New York State Energy & Research Authority found that just 40% of the 1 million senior households in New York eligible for HEAP are enrolled. The hope is that this can help stop that money from being left on the table.