Healthy Indiana Plan

The Healthy Indiana Plan available to Indiana residents seeking affordable health insurance continues to be an outstanding program for Indiana families. During these tumultuous times in our economy and health care system, it's encouraging to know that plans such as these are available for Americans.

The plan primarily serves the very poor and low income population, and is a great option for families with children who do not have insurance through their employer nor can they afford standard individual health insurance plans. Those types of plans are getting more and more expensive and with mandates going into place soon with the new health care reform bill, many Indiana residents are scrambling to get proper coverage. That's why this type of plan is invaluable.

Other states such as Washington, have similar programs to help their residents. Washington Basic offers a variety of benefits to qualifying residents. Plans across the nation are quickly coming together to support struggling Americans. Unfortunately, with unemployment so high and employers dropping plans quickly, government is having a hard time keeping up with all the need out there currently.

Healthy Indiana Plan and Medicare Still Available as Economy Slows

The article "Slow Economy Drives More Patients to Clinics" by Emily Monacelli on etruth.com says that more patients are avoiding their doctor and visiting community health centers instead. This is a direct result of the slowing economy and more uninsured Indiana residents.

Heart City Health Center in Elkart saw over 10,000 patients in 2009 which was up 45% from 2008 according to CEO Vernita Todd. Unfortunately, more patients does not translate to more revenue. Approximately 65% of the clinic's adult uninsured visitors receive a 90% discount based on their income level.

Many of these patients are unaware of the affordable options available to them and their families such as Medicare, Medicaid and the Healthy Indiana Plan. Many of these people are the working poor and they want to be covered, especially to protect their children but the money just isn't there. Having available health clinics is a blessing to communities, especially in tough times when unemployment is up and uninsured residents are on the rise.

Healthy Indiana Plan Offering POWER Account

Health Indiana Plan offers many benefits, one of which is called a POWER account. This is an account valued at $1,100 per adult to pay for medical expenses. The State of Indiana makes contributions to the account and each participant, based on a sliding scale, receives the benefit. No one will pay more than 5% of their gross annual family income, and many will pay less.

This plan also offers a basic commercial benefits option once the yearly medical expenses go over the $1,100. Coverage for preventative services is available for up to $500/year at no additional cost for members. Once the $500 limit is reached, preventative care is covered, but the POWER account would be used when necessary.

As with most types of plans, co-pays are required for all emergency care, but that would be the only service that has a co-pay. And even in the case of an emergency the co-pay would be returned if it is determined the service was a true emergency. The Healthy Indiana Plan does not currently cover dental, vision, or maternity care.