The Covering Kids and Families of Northeast Indiana (CKF-NEIN) coalition recognized the first anniversary of HIP 2.0 today with a celebration at Neighborhood Health Clinics. At the event, coalition partners spoke about the successes of the HIP 2.0 program here in Allen county and statewide. The event also highlighted continued efforts by local agencies to help low-income families who are eligible get enrolled in this health insurance option.

In the last year since the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) was expanded through the approval of the "HIP 2.0" waiver, the program has grown to serve more than 356,000 Hoosiers. While HIP 2.0 has narrowed the coverage gap significantly, there are still many Hoosiers who could participate in this program but have yet to be reached.

HIP is a state of Indiana health-insurance program for adults ages 19 to 64. Those who meet these income levels may qualify:

• Individuals with annual incomes up to $16,436.81
• Couples with annual incomes up to $22,246.25
• A family of four with an annual income of $33,865.13

HIP pays for medical costs for members and can even provide vision and dental coverage. It also rewards members for taking better care of their health.

“In 2015, Covering Kids & Families of Northeast Indiana coalition partners Brightpoint, Neighborhood Health Clinics, and Volunteer Center of Fort Wayne assisted 1,945 Allen County individuals with applying for the HIP 2.0 program. Our licensed Indiana Navigators work with consumers to not only apply for HIP 2.0, but to also ensure that their applications are processed correctly, and help them understand how to maintain and utilize their insurance. Many of our consumers that are approved for HIP 2.0 will tell us that this is the first time they have had health coverage in their adult lives,” stated Amanda Chappell, local director of CKF-NEIN and Program Manager at Brightpoint.

“HIP 2.0 is off to a great start. It’s inspiring to see how communities around the state and organizations like Covering Kids and Families have embraced the program and helped their neighbors understand how enrolling in HIP 2.0 could help improve their health. We are committed to working with organizations like Covering Kids and Families throughout 2016 and beyond to continue to reach Hoosiers who could benefit from this program,” stated Joe Moser, Indiana Medicaid Director.

Individuals can enroll in HIP 2.0 year-round and can receive assistance from a licensed Indiana Navigator via the following local organizations:

• Brightpoint – Schedule an appointment online at www.mybrightpoint.org/CKF or call 2-1-1
• Neighborhood Health Clinics – Call for an appointment at 260-458-2641 ext. 3757
• Volunteer Center – Call for appointment at 888-219-6868

Today’s event was presented by the Covering Kids & Families of Northeast Indiana (CKF-NEIN) Coalition, including: Indiana 211, Anthem, Brightpoint, EACS, FWCS, HealthVisions of Fort Wayne, Managed Health Services (MHS), MDwise, Neighborhood Health Clinics, Parkview Health, and Volunteer Center of Fort Wayne.