FSSA receives approval to expand SCHIP coverage
Comet staff report

More Hoosier children are now eligible for health insurance coverage. The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced last week that the federal government has approved the state's request to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The approval means approximately 10,000 more Hoosier children will receive coverage.

In January, FSSA asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to expand SCHIP as a part of the Indiana Check-up Plan that passed in 2007 with tremendous bi-partisan support led by Representative Charlie Brown (D) and Senator Pat Miller (R). Families who earn up to 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is approximately $53,000 for a family of four, are now eligible.

"We're always looking for ways to improve the health of Hoosiers, and now, more kids will have access to health insurance coverage. Next, we'll have to work hard to get them enrolled," said Governor Mitch Daniels.

With the expansion, FSSA estimates 5,100 more children will have coverage within the first year alone. Taken as a whole, the Hoosier Healthwise Program will:

• Expand eligibility to uninsured children whose families earn up to 250 percent of the FPL;

• Start year-round eligibility for children, regardless of changes to a family's income; and

• Add telemedicine as a benefit.

Coverage is retroactive for those who meet eligibility guidelines as of Jan. 1, 2008, and will begin on Oct. 1. SCHIP was a part of the Federal Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which Congress created as a way to encourage states to provide health insurance to uninsured children. SCHIP is a part of Hoosier Healthwise, Indiana's health insurance program. For more information, visit: http://www.in.gov/fssa/ ompp/2848.htm.