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July 2, 2008

More Hoosiers can buy into state’s health plan

The Associated Press Associated Press

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.

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Zachary Gillam, 16, and George Stokes, 19, go after a rebound as they play in a pickup game of basketball at Pulaski Park Monday afternoon. Late last fall repairs were made to the courts with new posts, backboards and rims along with resealing and painting the courts. With the warm February weather players have been getting out to check out the refurbished courts.

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