Cover the Uninsured Week

This is Cover the Uninsured Week.  How much risk do local families face without adequate health insurance coverage? 

There are more than 561,000 Hoosiers without health insurance, and 62 percent of those working adults earning less than 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines.  In Delaware County alone, the poverty rate in 2005 was 18 percent for adults and 22 percent for children.  That’s roughly a 50 percent increase since 2000, and because of poverty and unemployment, lack of health insurance remains a potentially devastating issue locally.

What is the Healthy Indiana Plan, and what does it offer those who are uninsured? 

The Healthy Indiana Plan, or HIP, is a new affordable health insurance program sponsored by the state for adult residents between the ages of 19-64. Counselors at Cardinal Health System have taken approximately 601 applications so far this year.

The program includes full health benefits including hospital care, mental health services, physician services, and diagnostic exams.  There is also a minimum of $500 in preventive services which are free.  It does not offer pregnancy, vision, or dental benefits, as those are covered through programs such as Hoosier Healthwise or Medicaid.  Each participant will have a Personal Wellness and Responsibility Account, or “POWER” account, which contains a person’s monthly contribution and the state’s contribution for a combined $1,100.  This amount can be used to pay for non-routine services such as hospital services, mental health and diagnostic exams, prescriptions and physician care. The account works a little bit like a flexible spending account offered by some employers.

Does my family qualify for HIP?  

Applicants’ incomes are not to exceed 200 percent of federal poverty level, based on family size, to qualify.  For example, a family of four cannot have a gross or pre-tax income of more than $41,280. Moreover, a family cannot have access to an employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and must be without insurance for the previous six months or more.

How do I enroll? 

There are several avenues available locally to enroll in HIP.  Patient Financial Services counselors at Ball Memorial Hospital are happy to enroll those who call (765) 281-6678, (765) 281-6672 or (765) 281-6675 to schedule an appointment.  The process takes about 15 minutes, and we have the paperwork here to complete.  Applications are also available online at www.HIP.in.gov. Applicants will need to provide copies of their proof of income, such as pay stubs, and proof of identity and citizenship, like a birth certificate or government-issued photo ID or driver’s license.

What other resources are available locally? 

Cardinal Health System financial counselors are available 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to help people enroll for HIP, Medicaid, Hoosier Healthwise or Cardinal Access.  Interested persons can reach Patient Financial Services by calling (765) 747-3068.

Vickie Rogers is the manager of Patient Financial Services for Cardinal Health System.  For more information about financial assistance with medical expenses, send an email to info@chsmail.org.

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Cardinal Health System
2401 West University Ave.
Muncie, IN 47303
(765) 747-3111