INDIANAPOLIS — The state is allowing uninsured Hoosiers to buy into its Healthy Indiana Plan — an insurance option previously available only to low-income residents.
The buy-in is available to people ages 19-64 who have been without insurance for at least six months and who are not offered coverage through their employer. The Healthy Indiana Plan includes several benefits, including preventative health services such as mammograms, prostate exams and flu shots, and a health savings account of $1,100 a year.
But people who do not meet low-income requirements will have to pay a monthly rate to buy into the plan, which for them will not be subsidized by the state or federal government, according to the Family and Social Services Administration.
The price of the plan varies by age and gender. A 25-year-old male, for example, could expect to pay about $125 a month, while a 60-year-old female could pay around $550 a month.
FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob said the prices seem better to him than other plans on the open market. He said the buy-in option could work for some people who can’t get insurance through their jobs.
“We’re very excited about offering it,” Roob said.
It’s good to have another health insurance option, but the cost could prevent some people from participating, said Julia Vaughn, health policy consultant with the watchdog group Citizens Action Coalition.
“You’re not getting any fantastic deals here,” she said.
The Healthy Indiana Plan was previously available only to those with household incomes of less than twice the federal poverty level, a sliding scale that is $20,800 for an individual or $42,400 for a family of four.
The plan is still open to low-income residents, Roob said. So far, about 15,000 low-income residents have enrolled, and there are spots for 130,000 people. People buying into the program will not take spots from low-income residents, Roob said.
People in the Healthy Indiana plan typically join one of two plans provided by insurers MDwise with Americhoice and Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield. Anthem is currently the only provider for the buy-in program, although MDWise is expected to offer its version later this year.
Robert Hillman, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana, said in a statement that the buy-in option will give more people the security of health care.
“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,” Hillman said.
Local News
More Hoosiers can buy into state’s health plan
- Local News
-
-
Historic Preservation Commission turns down school board
Arguments were made over historical significance, sentimental value, structural stability, safety and finances during a Historic Preservation Commission meeting Monday evening discussing whether to grant South Madison Community Schools board’s proposal to demolish the former middle school at 301 S. East St.
-
Hoosier Park revenue posts 4 percent increase so far this year
Gambling revenue from Indiana’s 13 casinos has dropped the past two years and faces a third year of decline in 2013. But revenue at Hoosier Park & Casino grew at rate of 4 percent so far this year, said CEO Jim Brown.
-
College fair for non-traditional students scheduled
The Madison County Education Coalition has set June 12 as the date for a Non-Traditional Student College Fair. The event will be from 3 to 7 p.m. at Mounds Mall.
-
State takeover of failing schools meets resistance
A decade after Indiana legislators gave the state the power to take over chronically failing schools, the first implementation of the law is meeting with resistance, skepticism, and questions about its costs.
-
Departed veterans honored at Park View Cemetery
Several volunteers recently took time out to honor veterans who have died and are interred in Park View Cemetery in Alexandria.
-
Learning Academy withdraws application
According to the Indiana Department of Education, the Anderson Learning Academy has withdrawn its charter application from the Indiana Charter School Board.
-
What's Where: May 22
Local activities are scheduled Tuesday.
-
Local Briefs: May 22
A compilation of news items of local and statewide interest as published in the Tuesday edition of The Herald Bulletin.
-
Arrest log: May 22
Arrests made by Madison County law enforcement on Sunday and Monday, based on Madison County Jail records.
-
Win tickets to the County Throwdown Tour from The Herald Bulletin
The Herald Bulletin is giving away tickets to the June 3rd Country Throwdown Tour concert at Hoosier Park Racing Casino. Click here to enter online on our Facebook page. The concert features Gary Allan, Rodney Atkins, Josh Thompson, Sunny Sweeny, Eric Paslay and MORE!
- More Local News Headlines
-
