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EPIC Enrollment Begins for Eligible Seniors

August 20, 2001

Michigan Department of Community Health Director, James K. Haveman, Jr., today announced that the enrollment process for the Elder Prescription Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program is underway for seniors who participated in the Michigan Emergency Pharmaceutical Program for Seniors (MEPPS) this fiscal year. The Department has established a toll free number and Senior EPIC Centers statewide to assist in the enrollment efforts.

"The EPIC program will provide comprehensive prescription coverage for those seniors who are most in need of assistance," said Haveman. "People who recently participated in the MEPPS program will soon be receiving complete EPIC enrollment information in the mail. I urge these seniors to closely review this important information once it is received."

"This program will make a tremendous difference in the lives of seniors," said Michigan Office of Services to the Aging Director, Lynn Alexander. "The benefits in the EPIC program are much broader than those currently available to seniors in need."

The Department has established over 150 Senior EPIC Centers throughout the state, with at least one in every county. Seniors may call toll free, 1-866-747-5844 for Senior EPIC Center location information, eligibility and enrollment information.

Currently, low-income seniors who are not enrolled in Medicaid have two programs available to assist them with the cost of prescriptions. The Michigan Emergency Pharmaceutical Program for Seniors (MEPPS) is only available to seniors a maximum of three times a year, and the Prescription Drug Tax Credit program offers an annual rebate on prescriptions.

The EPIC program, which provides year-round prescription coverage, will initially be offered to seniors enrolled in MEPPS and the Prescription Drug Tax Credit program. These groups were designated by legislation to be the priority groups for enrollment. Additional enrollment will be determined by program funding.

The EPIC program will cover most FDA approved prescription drugs including prescription insulin and diabetic syringes and needles. There will be a monthly, affordable co-pay based on an individual's income.

First Health Services Corp., is providing enrollment and pharmacy benefit management services for EPIC. Seniors who have received MEPPS benefits in the current fiscal year, who enroll in EPIC will begin receiving services on October 1, 2001. The next group to be enrolled will be those who received the Senior Tax Credit this tax year. This group can expect to begin receiving enrollment information in the mail in October, 2001 and those qualifying from the Senior Tax Credit group will begin receiving benefits on December 1, 2001. Open enrollment will follow and will be dependent on fund availability.