EPIC APPLICATION FEE REFUND H.B. 4179 (S-2): FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 4179 (Substitute S-2 as reported)
Sponsor: Representative Scott Shackleton
House Committee: Health Policy
Senate Committee: Health Policy
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Elder Prescription Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Act to provide for a refund of the EPIC program's $25 application fee if the Department of Community Health (DCH) determined that an individual applicant or married couple was not eligible for the program. Presently, the Act describes the fee as nonrefundable.
Under the Act, to be eligible for the EPIC program, a person must be a noninstitutionalized Michigan resident at least 65 years old, and have a household income at or below 200% of the Federal poverty guidelines. The bill specifies that, for the purpose of determining eligibility, an institution would be a facility in which an individual resided and through which he or she received medical care. An adult foster care home, a home for the aged, or an assisted living facility would not be considered an institution.
Under the bill, for an owner of a sole proprietorship whose business had not more than one employee and had less than $200,000 in assets, or for the owner of a family-owned farm with less than $200,000 in assets, household income would have to be determined after the exclusion of business or farm expenses deducted for Federal tax purposes.
MCL 550.2003 Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval
FISCAL IMPACT
The State currently refunds the $25 administrative fee for those who do not qualify for EPIC, so guaranteeing a refund to those not eligible would have no fiscal impact.
Date Completed: 3-18-04 Fiscal Analyst: Steve Angelotti
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. hb4179/0304