EPIC APPLICATION FEE REFUND H.B. 4179: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
House Bill 4179 (as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Scott Shackleton
House Committee: Health Policy
Senate Committee: Health Policy
Date Completed: 3-16-04
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.
The EPIC program must provide prescription drug coverage to a person to whom all of the following apply:
-- The person is a noninstitutionalized Michigan resident at least 65 years old.
-- The person has a household income at or below 200% of the Federal poverty guidelines.
-- The person currently is not a Medicaid recipient.
-- The person is not covered by other insurance that provides prescription drug coverage, excluding Medicare supplemental insurance or other Federal program.
An individual or married couple may apply for enrollment in the program by submitting an application to the DCH and paying a $25 administrative fee. Presently, the Act describes the fee as nonrefundable.
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.
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