Medicaid Coverage Protections Q & A’s
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MEDICAID COVERAGE PROTECTIONS Q & A’s
Updated March 7, 2024
- Are there work requirements for Indiana Medicaid, including the Healthy Indiana Plan?
No, there are no requirements to have work activity, educational activity, or any other similar requirement to qualify for Medicaid, including HIP, in Indiana.
- If a member loses Medicaid and applies on the Federal Marketplace, will they be able to afford the premiums? What kind of coverage will they receive?
- If an individual already knows they are over the income limit for Medicaid, including the Healthy Indiana Plan, can they voluntarily terminate their coverage?
Yes, individuals may voluntarily withdraw from Medicaid, including HIP, at any time. To do so, please write down the individual’s full name, date of birth, last four numbers of their Social Security Number and their case number, if known, and either upload it to their Benefits Portal account by clicking here, fax it to 800-403-0864, or mail it to FSSA Document Center, PO Box 1810, Marion, IN 46952.
Individuals may also take their request to the Division of Family Resources office in their county. The locations of these offices are available by clicking here or by calling 800-403-0864.
- How can individuals find out if they are over the income limits for Medicaid, including the Healthy Indiana Plan?
Individuals can find a tool with the income limits for most types of Medicaid, by clicking here. Please scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Adults, Pregnant Women, or Children Under 19.
- Indiana has been accepting client statement on applications for most eligibility factors during the public health emergency, will this continue?
Yes, during the 12-month return to normal operations period, we will continue to accept self-attestation for most application questions. If we need more information before we can approve your application, we will send you a request for what we need. If we can approve you based on your answers to the application questions, we will approve your application first and then request any documentation we need to confirm your continuing eligibility.
- Indiana has been allowing applicants/members to appoint an Authorized Representative over the phone during the public health emergency. Will this continue?
Yes, as long as both the applicant/member and the prospective Authorized Representative are on the call and listen to and agree to all of the requirements that the eligibility worker goes over with them, Authorized Representatives can still be established over the phone via a call with 800-403-0864.
- For members who want to appeal a decision, what will that appeal process be?
Detailed instructions on how to appeal a decision are included at the end of every eligibility notice. A copy of the instructions (with placeholders for information that would be case-specific) is available by clicking here.
- Can FSSA please provide instructions for how to upload documents like the instructions released for updating information?
Yes, FSSA will provide instructions on how to upload documentation. A video on using the Benefits Portal is available on the FSSA YouTube channel.
- For the first round of notices sent in February warning of upcoming renewals, do these go to everyone or only those who have renewals in April?
The warning notices sent in February only went to renewals that occur in April. These individuals will receive their renewal/redetermination request in March. For individuals with renewals in May, the warning notice will be sent in March and the renewal/redetermination request will be sent in April. This process will continue until all PHE renewals are complete.
- When receiving the final letter, when does the 13 to days to respond begin?
The final closure notice is sent at least 13 days prior to the effective date of closure. It does not include a new deadline, but if information is returned prior to the effective date of closure listed on the notice, the member may potentially avoid closure if they are still eligible.
If the closure was due to not returning information at redetermination, there is an additional 90-day period, starting from the last day of the redetermination month, where the member can return the information and regain eligibility if they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
- Will everyone receive a redetermination letter?
If the state has enough recent and reliable information to auto-renew a member’s eligibility, they will receive an approval notice that includes the information the state used to make the decision and request the member to report any changes. The member will not need to take action if the information on the notice is correct.
Some members such as those who currently receive SSI; members who are pregnant or in the 12-month postpartum period; or foster children, those receiving adoption assistance, or former foster children who are less than 26 years old do not typically have to complete annual redeterminations.
All other members will receive a redetermination packet in the mail. Examples of the packets are available by clicking here.
- What if I have a disability but I am over the income limit for Medicaid?
Individuals who are living with a disability and require additional services but do not want to be served in an institutional setting may be eligible for one of Indiana’s Home and Community-Based Waivers. Approval for an HCBS Waiver also increases the income limit used to determine Medicaid eligibility. You can find general information about the waivers which are available here.
For assistance in applying for the Aged & Disabled or Traumatic Brain Injury Waivers, please contact your local INconnect Alliance member here.
For assistance in applying for the Family Supports or Community Integration & Habilitation Waivers, please contact your local Bureau of Disabilities Services here.
Indiana also has a program to support working individuals with disabilities, called MEDWorks. Working adults up to age 65 can qualify for this program if they have a disability, have earned income from a job, and are over the income limit for standard disability Medicaid. There are monthly premiums based on income for most individuals in MEDWorks. If your income has increased during the course of the public health emergency, as long as your disability status and earned income are known to FSSA, you would not need to separately request this program (if you qualify you will be moved from standard disability Medicaid to MEDWorks). If you have questions about the program or are not sure if FSSA has all of your updated information, you can call 800-403-0864 for more information. - What Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services waivers has Indiana Medicaid implemented as part of the Medicaid Return to Normal process?
- 3 - Renew Medicaid eligibility for individuals with no income and no data returned on an ex parte basis
- 5 - Renew Medicaid for individuals for whom information from the Asset Verification System is not returned or is not returned within a reasonable timeframe
- 12 - Permit managed care plans to provide assistance to enrollees to complete and submit Medicaid renewal forms
- 13 - Permit the designation of an authorized representative for the purposes of signing an application or renewal form via the telephone without a signed designation from the applicant or beneficiary (Indiana already allowed this)
- 15 - Send lists to managed care plans and providers for individuals who are due for renewal and those who have not responded
- 17 - Use managed care plans and all available outreach modalities (phone call, email, text) to contact enrollees when renewal forms are mailed and when they should have received them by mail
- 20 - Reinstate eligibility effective on the individual’s prior termination date for individuals who were disenrolled based on a procedural reason and are subsequently redetermined eligible for Medicaid during a 90-day Reconsideration Period (Due to state law, this does not apply to the Healthy Indiana Plan – reinstatement will go forward for HIP members)
- 21 - Extend the 90-day reconsideration period for MAGI and/or add or extend a reconsideration period for non-MAGI populations during the unwinding period (Indiana gives the 90-day reconsideration period to both MAGI and non-MAGI members)
- 22 - Extend automatic reenrollment into a Medicaid managed care plan to up to 120 days after a loss of Medicaid coverage (Indiana extended to 90 days)
- 23 - Extend the amount of time managed care plans have to conduct outreach to individuals recently terminated for procedural reasons
- I received a text alert from DFR requesting redetermination paperwork. Is this a real text and if so, what do I need to do?
Yes, it is a real text message from DFR. Members will be receiving the messages below from the number 468311. They will receive three texts, five minutes apart, on the topic listed below. Members may opt out of receiving the texts at any time by replying STOP.
Topic: You should have received a redetermination packet messages:
- Message 1: Indiana Family & Social Services Administration has an update on your health coverage. Reply STOP at any time to stop receiving texts on this topic.
- Message 2: You should have received a redetermination packet that must be completed to determine if you are eligible. If you did not receive a packet, call 800-403-0864.
- Message 3: For more info on your health coverage, please click here: https://lnks.gd/2/22d6dTN
FSSA will not ask for any payment. Msg&Data rates may apply.
- I received a phone call from DFR requesting redetermination paperwork. Is this a real call and if so, what do I need to do?
Yes, DFR is calling members calls requesting redetermination paperwork. The phone call you receive will have the following message:
This is the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, calling with an important message.
At this time, FSSA has not yet received redetermination paperwork for the Medicaid or HIP member whose benefit period is set to expire. However, if you return your documentation to FSSA, your benefits may remain open, if you qualify. Please review the notice you received about redetermination of your benefits and if you believe you still qualify for HIP or Medicaid this year, return your paperwork as soon as possible to FSSA. Redetermination packets can be completed online or uploaded to the benefits portal at fssabenefits.in.gov, or you can fax them to 800-403-0864, or mail them to FSSA Document Center, PO Box 1810, Marion, IN 46952. You can also drop them off at your local DFR office. If you did not receive your notice or you no longer have it, you can access a copy of the notice at FSSABenefits.in.gov. It will take a few days to process documents once they have been received by FSSA. If you have recently returned all of your redetermination paperwork, please disregard this message. If you have any questions, please call 800-403-0864, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
If you would like to stop receiving phone calls from FSSA regarding important information on your case, please call 800-403-0864 and choose option 9 to opt out of the automated calling program. - I received an email from DFR requesting redetermination paperwork. Is this a real email and if so, what do I need to do?
Yes, DFR is emailing members requesting redetermination paperwork. The email you receive will have the following subject and message:
FSSA Benefits Portal Important Information
At this time, FSSA has not yet received redetermination paperwork for the Medicaid or HIP member whose benefit period is set to expire. However, if you return your documentation to FSSA, your benefits may remain open, if you qualify. Please review the notice you received about redetermination of your benefits and if you believe you still qualify for HIP or Medicaid this year, return your paperwork as soon as possible to FSSA. Redetermination packets can be completed online or uploaded to the benefits portal at fssabenefits.in.gov, or you can fax them to 800-403-0864, or mail them to FSSA Document Center, PO Box 1810, Marion, IN, 46952. You can also drop them off at your local DFR office. If you did not receive your notice or you no longer have it, you can access a copy at fssabenefits.in.gov. It will take a few days to process documents once they have been received by FSSA. If you have recently returned all of your redetermination paperwork, please disregard this message. If you have any questions, please call 800-403-0864, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Is there a way for an Authorized Representative to bypass the Social Security number option in the FSSA Benefits Portal?
No, the Social Security Number is a required field in the FSSA Benefits Portal.
- Is Emergency Service Only Medicaid (limited coverage for certain immigrants) effective the month of application or the month of approval?
Immigrants who only qualify for HIP with limited emergency-services-only are not required to make any financial contribution. The month of authorization is viewed as the month the payment would have been made had the person been subject to POWER account contributions. There is no retroactive coverage for any individual receiving emergency services under HIP. (Reference 3515.20.00 policy manual, https://www.in.gov/fssa/ompp/forms-documents-and-tools2/medicaid-eligibility-policy-manual/)
- We have members that are pending for Medical Review Team, does this member have coverage?
MRT, Medical Review Team, provides limited coverage for members that are pending Medicaid Disability that might require additional testing or medical documentation before disability coverage can be established. The member does not have actual Medicaid coverage until a decision is made from the Medical Review Team and eligibility has been established.
- How is Indiana returning to normal Medicaid operations?
Indiana is following a 12-month plan to return to normal operations.
- Who will retain their Medicaid eligibility after the return to normal operations?
Individuals who have remained eligible under normal rules during the public health emergency will be subject to standard requirements starting in April 2023; this could include returning information when income increases or after starting a new job, for example. Individuals who have only remained eligible due to the special rules we have been using since March 2020 will be reevaluated when their annual redetermination comes due. People who remain qualified after they have completed their annual Eligibility Review and Redetermination process will retain coverage.
- When is Indiana resuming redetermination actions?
April is when the process begins. If members are not eligible after redetermination or do not provide the information needed, the first day they will no longer have coverage would be May 1. Indiana is taking 12 months to complete this process, and members will be reassessed when their annual redetermination is due.
- Can members complete their redetermination online using the benefits portal?
Yes, they can complete their redetermination at fssabenefits.in.gov
- If someone is locked out of their online benefits account, how do they get it reset?
If they need assistance, they can call 1-800-403-0864 and press option 6 to reach the benefits portal help desk to assist them. Members can also recover their log-in information, including resetting their password, by following instructions on the log-in screen on the portal.
- If a member contacts FSSA through the benefits portal, mail or by phone to update their address information, will they be sent a Pending Verification Checklist form to confirm that change?
This depends on ot her programs they're on and the current circumstances around that case.
- Indiana will complete its return to normal operations in May 2024. What does that mean?
May 2024 is when the 12-month return to normal operations is complete and no more members are protected by continuous enrollment rules from the original federal public health emergency.
- Can providers receive information from the state about when their active Medicaid patients will be redetermined?
We cannot provide this information to unauthorized representatives; however, we do make an agency portal available. Once authorized, registered agencies may access the portal to check the case status for each of the individuals they support. For more information or to sign up for the agency portal, please click here.
- How will renewals be prioritized?
We will be using the annual renewal date for everyone, which is set one year from their initial Medicaid approval or one year from their last annual redetermination.
- If a member is deemed ineligible, is there a grace period before coverage terminates?
Disenrollment notices are sent at least 13 days prior to the effective date of coverage termination. If the disenrollment is due to not returning requested information, the missing documents can be provided prior to the effective date of termination and closure may be avoided if the member is still eligible.
For annual redeterminations only, individuals who don’t respond by the due date have up to 90 days to return the missing information and potentially regain coverage without submitting a new application.
- Will the Medicaid Coverage Protection mailings be sent “Return Service Requested” for FSSA to know which individuals are not being contacted?
Yes, all mail is sent “Return Service Requested.” Anything that cannot be forwarded is returned to FSSA.
- For people who return verifications for their annual redetermination during the 90-day window after losing coverage, will the coverage be retroactive to when they lost it?
This would depend on what kind of coverage the member is receiving. The Healthy Indiana Plan does not have retroactive coverage, so someone on HIP needs to take action to update their information as soon as possible. If they provide the needed information before the effective date of closure, then they can avoid a gap in coverage. For other individuals that are in categories that always offer retroactive coverage , then they can avoid a gap in coverage.
- Is FSSA planning to hire and train new call center staff?
Yes.
- Will people redetermined at the end of 2023 who lose coverage but are eligible for the marketplace get an extended special enrollment period? Since the state is returning to normal operations over a 12-month period, will some individuals receive a much shorter special enrollment period for the marketplace?
In January 2023, CMS announced a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period for qualified individuals and their families who lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage due to the end of the continuous enrollment protections. This SEP, referred to as the “Unwinding SEP,” will allow individuals and families in Marketplaces served by HealthCare.gov to enroll in Marketplace health insurance coverage outside of the annual open enrollment period. In March 2024, CMS extended this SEP to last through Nov. 30, 2024 Click here for more information. Click here for more information.
- If a member's information is transferred to the exchange, is there any proactive outreach letting them know? Do members need to initiate the enrollment process with the exchange?
We encourage members to start the process on their own, although they may also receive communication. Click here to find a navigator to help.
- When will the Fast Track process for HIP restart?
Fast track will restart at the same time POWER Accounts, cost share, and premiums are re-started on Aug. 1, 2024.
- How are you educating the public about Power Accounts, as everyone enrolled during the federal public health emergency hasn't had experience with power accounts?
A special notice will go out to individuals when their cost share resumes. It explains what a Power Account is and how the contribution is determined, and connects the member to a managed care entity for questions about the logistics of making the payment.
- I'm homeless, what can I do to receive mail?
Indiana residents may use a mailing address of their choosing if they have made arrangements with a friend, family member, or community organization to hold their mail until they can pick it up. Members who do not have an address where they can receive mail may use the address of their local Division of Family Resources office. DFR can work with the resident to help them determine which local office address to use. Notices and requests will be held for them for 30 days after the mail date and can be picked up during business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., M-F). Please note: most requests for information will have a 13-day deadline for response, so it is important that they check for mail frequently.
- What if I lose coverage?
If you find out that you are no longer eligible for coverage through the Medicaid program, you could check to see if you qualify for coverage through the Federal Marketplace online at HealthCare.gov or by calling 800-318-2596. If you are over 65, you could look into coverage through the federal Medicare program at Medicare.gov or by calling 800-MEDICARE. Indiana’s State Health Insurance Program can also help you with any questions you have about Medicare. Find them online at medicare.in.gov or call 800-452-4800.
There are also specially trained and certified professionals throughout Indiana who can help you find the right health coverage for you. These are called navigators and application organizations. You can find help in your area by clicking here.
In January 2023, CMS announced a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period for qualified individuals and their families who lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage due to the end of the continuous enrollment protections. This SEP, referred to as the “Unwinding SEP,” will allow individuals and families in Marketplaces served by HealthCare.gov to enroll in Marketplace health insurance coverage outside of the annual open enrollment period. In March 2024, CMS extended this SEP to last through Nov. 30, 2024. Click here for more information.
- What if I lost my coverage but I have an emergency before I can get it started again?
Presumptive Eligibility (immediate coverage) is available through certain qualified providers. The applicant will answer questions such as citizenship, residency, family size and household income. The application is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more about Presumptive Eligibility rules, click here, and to find an active qualified provider use the IHCP Provider Locator (select Yes for “Show only Presumptive Eligibility Qualified Providers?”) by clicking here.
- Does presumptive eligibility apply to pharmacy transactions?
Pharmacists are not a qualified provider, however, members who have received presumptive eligibility with other providers should have pharmacy coverage.
- If a member receives Social Security Disability payments, do they need to provide an updated change of income on the FSSA portal or does FSSA already have access to it?
FSSA receives updates on any kind of Social Security income which should automatically be in a member’s file. In rare situations, proof of Social Security income may be requested from the member.
- If a member is no longer eligible and their income increased during the public health emergency, do they have to pay back any benefits received during this time?
No.
- Is there a time frame that FSSA is requesting a member’s income information?
FSSA needs information from the past 30 days. If the last income information we have for a member was two years ago, and they have a new job, but didn’t verify it, FSSA may need verification if the member stills has the job or if it ended. FSSA does not need to know their earnings from then, but we need to know how it is impacting the member now.
- How will this impact residents of a long-term care facility?
Long-term care residents will be required to complete redetermination if FSSA cannot renew them automatically. If asset information needs to be updated, they will receive a mailer. Their authorized representative will also receive a full copy to assist in the process.
- How does Indiana Medicaid communicate termination of Medicaid and how much notice do members get?
FSSA must send that notice 13 days before the effective date, however termination would depend on the time of month. If early in the month, a member would receive a letter saying benefits would end as of the first of the next month. If it was later in the month, such as the 27th, a member would be bumped out one more month to ensure they had 13 days’ notice before effective date of the end of coverage.
- Regarding income verification, will FSSA accept a client statement if the client is unable to get verification from a job that is a few years old?
Yes, this information is in our policy manual. Members need to provide identifying information on themselves and give as many details as they can. If signed and dated, they can submit this to FSSA, and we use the information and move forward with their case.
- If no changes have taken place, does a member still need to return the redetermination form or contact the state to inform them that all information remains the same?
It depends on the type of form a member receives. Read it carefully. If nothing has changed, the member does not need to return anything. If the mailer says information needs to be returned, the member needs to return the form and information .
- If there are different redetermination dates in a household, is FSSA combining redeterminations or are they going to be individual? Is there a benefit to have someone update the entire household, and if done, will they then fall under the same redetermination date?
Redetermination dates are calculated on the individual level and not the household/family level. However, when a family has identical household members and countable income (for example, a mother and her three children), then in some cases after one member of the family is successfully redetermined, FSSA will set all of the household members for a new 12-month period (in effect, syncing their redetermination dates). If this happens, approval notices will be sent to each household member with their new redetermination period. In general, members are required to report changes within 10 days, so updated information should always be submitted timely. When case information is kept up-to-date, it greatly increases the chance that individuals in the case will qualify for ex parte (auto-) renewal in the future.
- How is FSSA communicating with providers and encouraging them to contact their members who are covered by Medicaid so they can take appropriate actions?
FSSA has met with several provider groups, hospitals, pharmacies, health associations, and community organizations to ensure they understand this redetermination process and encourage them to use our website materials made available to communicate with their members.
Nursing facilities
- Will I need to verify my resources (assets) to continue benefits?
For most Medicaid members who are not in Hoosier Healthwise (non-disabled children up to age 19, pregnant/postpartum individuals) or the Healthy Indiana Plan (non-disabled adults age 19 to 64) the answer is yes. You are now required to verify resources due to the ending of the public health emergency. If you are required to verify your assets, your renewal mailer or other request for information you receive will specifically ask about them.
- What is AVS?
AVS, or Asset Verification System, was implemented in December 2020 as required by federal law. This is an electronic data system used to verify any asset or resources that belong to an applicant/member and their spouse. We are required to use AVS for all Medicaid members who are in categories that include a resource (asset) test, which includes our aged, blind, and disabled categories and categories which help pay for Medicare expenses.
- How do I add an Authorized Representative to my case? What actions can they take on my case?
An Authorized Representative agreement can be set up using the barcoded form, signed by AR and applicant/member or over the telephone via a three way call which will be recorded by the Division of Family Resources. Authorized Representatives are allowed to complete any action for the member/client such as filing out, signing, and returning the renewal form. ARs are also required to be familiar with the member’s circumstances and the member/client is responsible for any discrepancies.
- How long do I have to verify my assets once I receive a Discrepancy Notice?
A member has 13 days to provide more information on the asset in question.
- What if I receive a Must Return mailer?
Please read your mailer carefully as it will state whether you only need to return it if there are changes to the information, we have listed for you, or if you are required to return it with updated information in order to keep your coverage. A Must Return mailer will say “If you do not complete, sign and return this form your coverage will be discontinued.” The member must return the mailer along with the documentation that has been requested. Please make sure to sign the mailer.
- How do I return my mailer?
Renewals can be mailed, faxed, or dropped off at any local DFR office. You can also upload them to the Benefits Portal by following the instructions available here. You can find your local DFR office here.
- Provider Question: We have a patient that is at high risk for losing their coverage. How can we verify if enrollment will continue?
FSSA can give providers the scheduled renewal dates for these members that are at the highest rate for disenrollment. Providers will need to send the list of RIDs to PHEStakeholders@fssa.in.gov. All members can find their scheduled renewal date on their Benefits Portal account or by calling 800-403-0864.
- I turned in my mailer late. Will I lose my coverage?
The mailer can be turned in up to 90 days after a closure at renewal time. For all members, except those in the Healthy Indiana Plan, coverage can be reinstated showing no gaps as long as member was eligible. The HIP program does not offer retroactive coverage, so it’s important for HIP members to return their renewal information as soon as possible. If a HIP member is found eligible in the 90-day reconsideration period, coverage will begin again going forward.
- What is Resource Suspension?
If the member is in a long-term care facility or on a Home-and Community-Based Services Waiver and they do not qualify due to being over the asset/resource limit, DFR will suspend Medicaid coverage for up to 60 days. Coverage cannot be used but they will remain in the system. Members will then have the opportunity to spend the excess resources to get back under the limit without the member having to reapply. The excess funds cannot be given away for nothing in return. Coverage will not backdate due to member not being within the income guidelines.
- We received a notice, and it was close to the due date due to a postal delay. How do I make sure I am not late?
Reach out to DFR at 800-403-0864 and let them know that you just received the mailer or request for information so they can take the appropriate action.
Cost sharing
- What is Medicaid cost sharing and when does it begin?
Medicaid cost-sharing involves certain Medicaid members contributing a small percentage of the cost to maintain their coverage. This can include copays paid directly at the time of medical services and monthly contributions/premiums paid by invoice. Copays only apply to members in the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) and Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP). Monthly contributions/premiums apply to HIP, CHIP, and MEDWorks (Medicaid for working individuals who have a disability). Copayments for HIP and CHIP will begin July 1, 2024, and invoices for HIP, CHIP, and MEDWorks monthly payments will be sent in early July for August’s benefits.
- Has cost-sharing always been a part of Medicaid coverage?
Yes, but cost-sharing for Medicaid coverage has been suspended for nearly four years due to federal public health emergency orders. It is now returning on July 1, 2024, requiring some members to share a portion of the coverage cost.
- How will I know if I need to contribute to Medicaid cost-sharing?
If you are a HIP member, you will receive an invoice from your health plan (Anthem, CareSource, MDwise, MHS). If you are or have a child in CHIP or if you receive MEDWorks coverage and are required to pay premiums, you will receive a bill from the premium vendor in July.
Medicaid members can check their status online in their benefits portal account (fssabenefits.in.gov) to determine if they are required to pay monthly contributions/premiums. Eligibility notices from FSSA and monthly invoices will also be provided by the member’s health plan (for HIP members) or the premium vendor (for CHIP and MEDWorks members) to keep members informed.
- When will Medicaid members start contributing to the cost-share?
- Is cost-share similar to traditional health insurance costs?
- How much will Medicaid members be expected to contribute?
The specific percentage of the cost that members will need to contribute will vary. Checking one's status online at fssabenefits.in.gov will provide personalized information about monthly contribution/premium amounts. Members can find more information on copay amounts by calling the “member services” number on the back of their Medicaid card.
- Copayments in CHIP range from $3 to $10, and monthly premiums range from $22 to $70 based on income and family size.
- MEDWorks monthly premiums range from $48 to $254 based on income and whether married members are both on MEDWorks.
- Copayments in HIP Basic range from $4 to $75, and monthly contributions range from $1 to $20 based on income and family size.
- Can Medicaid members request assistance if they find it challenging to afford the cost-share?
- Will cost-sharing affect all Medicaid members, including low-income families?
Copays will apply to members in HIP and CHIP. Contributions/premiums apply to all Medicaid members in HIP and CHIP, and to MEDWorks members with income above 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. These Medicaid categories are for individuals or families with slightly higher income than other Medicaid programs. It's important for everyone to be aware of this change and take necessary steps to maintain their coverage.
- How can healthcare providers support Medicaid members in understanding and managing the cost-share?
- What happens if a Medicaid member does not contribute to the cost-share?
- If documentation is submitted late from a redetermination, will the coverage retro back to avoid the member having a gap in coverage?
Medicaid members have 90 days after a closure for failure to complete redetermination to return their paperwork. If they are found to be eligible, their coverage will restart back to the date of closure and there will be no effective coverage gap. This is not an automated process and there will be some processing time required.
The only exception is for HIP coverage, which does not allow for retroactive coverage per state law. HIP members still receive the 90-day reconsideration period, but if they are found eligible, their coverage will restart going forward only.
- What will happen if a member does not pay their contribution or premium?
- Will health plans allow for members to make automated payments?
Yes, all of the health plans allow members (and/or third parties on behalf of the member) to set up automatic payments for their monthly POWER account contributions.
- When will fast-track payments return?
Fast Track payments will return on Aug. 1, 2024
- When will FSSA close or reduce benefits for nonpayment of POWER account?
The first closures for nonpayment will occur Oct.1, 2024.
- How do POWER Account Contributions (PACs) affect HIP eligibility ?
New HIP Applicants
Most new applicants who start in HIP will be approved conditionally. A conditionally approved applicant is someone who has been determined eligible for coverage, but their coverage will not be activated until they make their first payment. Applicants are given 60 days to make their first payment.
Applicants can choose to pay a $10 “Fast Track” payment on their application, or they will receive a regular invoice from their health plan.
For approved applicants who pay their POWER Account Contribution (PAC), their coverage will be activated as of the first of the month in which they make the PAC payment (HIP does not have retroactive coverage).If a conditionally approved HIP applicant fails to pay their PAC in the allowed time:
- Those with income under 100% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will be activated in Basic coverage
- Those with income over 100% FPL will be disenrolled and will not have coverage
Check this link for more information about the difference between HIP Plus and HIP Basic.
Active HIP Members
HIP members who have made their PAC payment and had their coverage activated must continue to make their ongoing monthly payments within the allowed time (60 days), or:
- Those with income under 100% FPL will be moved to Basic coverage
- Those with income over 100% FPL will be disenrolled and will no longer have coverage
There are no lockout periods in HIP and individuals denied or disenrolled for any reason may reapply at any time.
Note: Medically Frail members with income over 100% who don’t pay PACS are not disenrolled; they retain Plus coverage but must pay copayments and their unpaid PACs accrue as debt (but this will not cause their coverage to end).Members Currently in HIP Basic Coverage
All HIP members who are in Basic coverage will have the opportunity to buy up to Plus coverage (called a “Potential Plus” period) if their income increases above 100% FPL, or at each annual renewal, or if they earn certain credits from their health plan.
As part of our cost-share resumption process, all HIP Basic members will be given a special Potential Plus period starting in August 2024. The Potential Plus period lasts 60 days.
Check this link for more information about the difference between HIP Plus and HIP Basic. - How do premium payments affect CHIP eligibility?
- How do premium payments affect MEDWorks eligibility?
- When will the tobacco surcharge go into effect?
Members will have all of 2025 to cease their tobacco use. The soonest time that the tobacco surcharge could be assessed is Jan. 1, 2026.
CMS waivers
- What CMS waivers are Indiana using?
- 1 - Renew Medicaid eligibility based on financial findings from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- 3 - Renew Medicaid eligibility for individuals with no income and no data returned on an ex parte basis
- 5 - Renew Medicaid for individuals for whom information from the Asset Verification System is not returned or is not returned within a reasonable timeframe
- 9 - Suspend the requirements to apply for other benefits under 42 CFR 435.608 at renewal.
- 10 - Suspend the requirement to cooperate with the agency in establishing the identity of a child's parents and in obtaining medical support at renewal.
- 11 - Renew eligibility if able to do so based on available information and establish a new eligibility period whenever contact is made with hard-to-reach populations (e.g., homeless).
- 12 - Permit managed care plans to provide assistance to enrollees to complete and submit Medicaid renewal forms
- 13 - Permit the designation of an authorized representative for the purposes of signing an application or renewal form via the telephone without a signed designation from the applicant or beneficiary. Note: Indiana already allowed this.
- 15 - Send lists to managed care plans and providers for individuals who are due for renewal and those who have not responded
- 17 - Use managed care plans and all available outreach modalities (phone call, email, text) to contact enrollees when renewal forms are mailed and when they should have received them by mail
- 20 - Reinstate eligibility effective on the individual’s prior termination date for individuals who were disenrolled based on a procedural reason and are subsequently re-determined eligible for Medicaid during a 90-day Reconsideration Period. Note: Due to state law, this does not apply to the Healthy Indiana Plan – reinstatement will go forward for HIP members.
- 21 - Extend the 90-day reconsideration period for MAGI and/or add or extend a reconsideration period for non-MAGI populations during the unwinding period. Note: Indiana gives the 90-day reconsideration period to both MAGI and non-MAGI members.
- 22 - Extend automatic reenrollment into a Medicaid managed care plan to up to 120 days after a loss of Medicaid coverage (Indiana extended to 90 days)
- 23 - Extend the amount of time managed care plans have to conduct outreach to individuals recently terminated for procedural reasons