Healthy Indiana Plan to help uninsured adults

+ Eligibility: Uninsured adult Hoosiers between 18-64 whose household income is between 22-200% Federal Poverty Level. They cannot be eligible for Medicaid or employer sponsored health insurance. They must be uninsured for 6 months prior to applying. If the applicant has children on Hoosier Healthwise/SCHIP and have been uninsured for 6 months, they will meet eligibility. A family of four can make up to $41,000 per year to be eligible.

+ Applications are now being accepted. It is first come, first serve with about 130,000 slots open. An estimated 550,000 Hoosiers are eligible for this program.

+ Plan: It is not an entitlement plan. There will be $500 preventive care, then an $1,100 power account that a participant will make monthly payments to (it is between 2-5% of total household income). There is a $300,000 annual limit and $1 million lifetime limit. The two plans are offered by Anthem and MDwise/Golden Rule. There are no deductible or copays except if the ER is used for a non-emergency visit.

+ The plan includes mental health services, medical and prescriptions.

Hoosier Healthwise/SCHIP is an entitlement plan with the same income limits for uninsured/underinsured children (up to 19 yrs) and pregnant women.

Covering Kids Council History

A LaPorte County coalition was formed in 2004 by a group of concerned agencies to increase the number of eligible children enrolled in Hoosier Healthwise. An important goal is to build upon the family's knowledge, experience and capacity to sustain the enrollment and retention of their children in Hoosier Healthwise. Members of this Healthy Communities' council work with the system to strengthen the safety net, increase the number of enrollment sites, and simplify the enrollment/re-enrollment process.

All objectives will be accomplished by collaboratively working with social service providers, school systems, the Division of Family Resources, community leaders, public officials, business and private sectors, media, etc. As Family and Social Services Administration changes unfold at the state level, the LaPorte County council will proactively work to insure access to low/no cost health insurance is consistently available for our low to moderate income families.

Access to and enrollment in low/no cost health insurance helps to insure our children receive appropriate and timely medical care. A well student is a better student. A better student has a greater potential to become a healthy, contributing, productive member of our community. Those who are uninsured are more likely to go without needed health care, including treatment for chronic illnesses. Lack of regular treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes can lead to serious and costly complications. Health insurance is important - even when an individual is healthy.

To become involved in the LaPorte County Covering Kids & Families Council efforts, call coordinator Cara Logan at 219-210-9147.

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING GENEROUS COMMUNITY PARTNERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THIS IMPORTANT INITIATIVE: Duneland Health Council, HealthLinc, LaPorte Regional Health System, Managed Health Services, MDwise and Saint Anthony Memorial.