Information about Freedom of Choice under 1634 Medicaid transition

Family Voices Indiana has been receiving calls from families who are being switched from Hoosier Healthwise to Medicaid Disability, outside of the waiver targeting process. We sought clarification from FSSA regarding this change and whether families had the right to stay on Hoosier Healthwise if they are still eligible for that category. This is their response:

Due to the 1634 Disability transition, individuals, including children,  who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically become entitled to Medicaid based on the receipt of SSI.  For such individuals, the only requirement is receive SSI and individuals would not be required to be redetermined for eligibility every 12 months nor report changes as long as they receive SSI.  The new SSI-related Medicaid category is fee for service, traditional Medicaid,  to mirror the coverage that is provided under the Aged, Blind, and Disabled categories for which most of these individuals would have previously qualified for.   Please note, however, that federal regulations allow individuals to choose the Medicaid category that they wish to be covered under if they meet the eligibility requirements for that other category(ies).  Contact with the Division of Family Resources (DFR) is essential if an individual wishes to be covered under a Hoosier Healthwise category, if eligible.  Redeteminations and change reporting requirements would be applicable for all categories, except under the new SSI-related Medicaid.   The DFR is in the process of developing specific procedures for individuals that wish to remain in Hoosier Healthwise Risk Based Managed Care (RBMC), rather than be covered under the new SSI-related, fee for service category. 
Thank you for the opportunity to be of service. 
Communicatons Services Indiana Family and Social Services Administration

If you need further information or resources, feel free to contact Family Voices Indiana at 317 944 8982 info@fvindiana.org