HIP Buy-In Now Available

Posted by: [FSSA]

Contact: Elizabeth Surgener

Phone: 317-232-1149

Email: Elizabeth.Surgener@fssa.in.gov

HIP Buy-In Now Available

On July 1, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced a buy-in option for the state's Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). The Indiana Check-Up Plan that was approved by the Legislature in April 2007 includes a buy-in option for Hoosiers who do not qualify for the plan due to income. HIP has been open only to Hoosiers earning below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Now, the buy-in option provides an alternative for those who do not qualify for the subsidized plan because their income is above 200% of the FPL, which is approximately $40,000 for a family of four.

"In only six months, over 14,000 Hoosiers have become insured through the Healthy Indiana Plan. Today, we are thrilled to announce that those who are currently ineligible due to income may now benefit from the HIP buy-in option," said FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob. "Thanks to Governor Daniels and tremendous bi-partisan support from the Legislature, we are able to offer this option in order to give even more Hoosiers the peace of mind that comes from having health insurance."

The buy-in option for HIP will include benefits similar to the original plan that rolled out January first of this year. HIP currently provides health insurance for uninsured Hoosiers between the ages of 19 and 65, who are below 200% FPL, do not have Medicare or Medicaid, have been uninsured for at least six months and are not eligible for employer-sponsored health coverage. Like the HIP plan, participants will have a $1,100 deductible. Once eligible expenses exceed $1,100, individuals have access to a basic personal health insurance policy, with no copays except for emergency room visits. HIP is founded on a health incentive account model which encourages participants financially to adopt healthy behaviors. When members do require health care, plan participants will seek price transparency so they may make value conscious decisions.

"Anthem is happy to partner with the state in an effort to extend health care security to more people across Indiana," said Robert W. Hillman, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana. "The Healthy Indiana Plan is making a difference in the lives of thousands of our fellow Hoosiers and we enthusiastically support the enhancement of the program."

At this time, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield will be the only provider for the program. MDWise with Americhoice is expected to offer their version later this year. Cost of the plan will be based on age, sex and geographic region. There is no state or federal subsidization for the buy-in option. All applicants who are denied HIP coverage due to over income will receive a notice from FSSA about the alternative buy-in option. Hoosiers interested in purchasing the HIP buy-in product should contact Anthem at: 1-800-622-4075 or a licensed Anthem agent.

For more information on the Healthy Indiana Plan, go to: www.hip.in.gov. For more information on FSSA, go to: www.in.gov/fssa.