The state of Indiana offers several programs to help families and individuals with low to moderate income obtain affordable health care. Depending on income levels, some programs offer free coverage to the entire family, others only to the children. Programs are also available to help disabled Indianans keep their coverage while returning to work. For further information, speak with a social worker at your county's Department of Family Services office.
Hoosier Healthwise
The Hoosier Healthwise program offers health insurance to children under the age of 19, and to families and pregnant women who fall within certain income guidelines. Either the whole family can be covered or the children only, depending on family income. Expectant mothers can also get access to pregnancy-related care through Hoosier Healthwise.
Healthy Indiana Plan
While Hoosier Healthwise does not cover adults in moderate-income families, the Healthy Indiana Plan does so. A family of four can qualify for the Healthy Indiana Plan if they have an annual income of $44,000 or less. The adults who qualify for this program cannot have access to health care through an employer, and must have been without any type of health insurance for at least six months. Depending on income levels, this program may be free or low-cost.
Medicare and Medicaid
Along with the traditional Medicare and Medicaid plans that are available nationwide, Indiana offers several programs that complement this care. Hoosier RX helps low-income individuals with the cost of prescriptions, the State Health Insurance Program and long-term-care insurance programs. Care Select helps applicants determine which of these special programs they can qualify for within Medicare and Medicaid.
M.E.D. Works
Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities (M.E.D. Works) allows Indiana residents with disabilities to go back to work and keep their Medicaid coverage. Previously, going back to work at all disqualified anyone from receiving Medicaid benefits for a disability. The benefits are identical to those granted by Medicaid. The program was designed mainly for those who return to work after being out on disability but who are not eligible for health insurance with their employers.
Tags: Hoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana, Healthy Indiana Plan, Indiana Plan, Medicare Medicaid, back work
