The N.C. Epilepsy Program:

• provides education about epilepsy to persons with epilepsy and their families, the general public and professionals;
• provides anti-convulsant medications for people who meet the program eligibility criteria (less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) when there is no other source of payment; and
• helps find a medical home for persons with epilepsy.

The program is mandated by the state legislature (G.S. 130A-223) and administered by DHHS Rules 15A NCAC 16A.0500.

The State of NC has formal agreements with four local health departments - Cumberland, Jackson, New Hanover and Pitt. These local health departments will:

• Provide clinical services to persons at risk or diagnosed with epilepsy or other neurological disorders.
• Provide anticonvulsant medications at Medicaid rates to persons diagnosed with epilepsy for whom anticonvulsant medications are prescribed. (These persons must meet financial eligibility criteria in accordance with the Purchase of Medical Care Rules 15A NCAC 24A and have no other source of third party reimbursement for these medications.)
• Determine the eligibility of individual patients by completing and retaining a copy of both the Financial Eligibility Form (DHHS 3014) and the Authorization Request Form (DHHS 3056) on each potentially eligible person.

Through a contract with Wake Forest University Epilepsy Information Service, the Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders Program provides access to public, patient and professional education; clinical services; and access to anti-convulsant medications for persons who are eligible. These statewide services are provided through a toll-free telephone line - 1-800-642-0500.