Governor Mike Pence Tuesday announced that federal officials have approved his healthcare expansion plan known as HIP 2.0. Pence says it’s an effort that will reform and improve Medicaid in what he calls “the Indiana way.”
Federal officials approved essentially everything Governor Pence asked for. The program includes HIP Basic, a default plan for poorer Hoosiers that doesn’t require them to pay into a health savings account but comes with fewer benefits and includes co-pays.
There’s also HIP Plus, which requires participants to pay into a health savings account but also comes with vision and dental and for the most part doesn’t include any co-pays.
Pence calls HIP 2.0 a first in the nation reform effort that covers the working poor.
“HIP 2.0 is not intended to be a long-term entitlement program. It’s intended to be a safety net that aligns incentives with human aspirations and gives Hoosiers access to the kind of coverage that will help improve their lives and also improve their opportunities for success.”
Those earning less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for the program – that’s about $33,000 a year for a family of four. Hoosiers can start applying immediately; enrollment will begin February 1st.
