Thousands of Porter County residents living without medical coverage will now have the opportunity to apply for an expanded health insurance program developed through bipartisan cooperation during the 2007 legislative session, State Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary said.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) was spearheaded by Brown to extend health coverage to nearly 132, 000 uninsured Hoosier adults living at less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level: a yearly income of $20,420 for a single person, or $41,300 for a family of four.

“Far too many adults in Porter County live under the threat of skyrocketing medical bills for which they have no insurance,” Brown said. “HIP is an affordable, accessible plan that can protect constituents from these sometimes unexpected costs. I strongly courage all those who are eligible to apply.”

Along with the financial eligibility requirements, Hoosiers must have been uninsured for at least six months and may not have access to employer provided health care. Those who qualify for HIP will receive $500 in preventive care and a $1,100 health savings account to which a plan participant must contribute on a sliding scale based on their yearly income. All other costs, up to $300,000, will be assumed by health insurance providers.

Brown stressed that HIP is not an entitlement program. The number of participants is limited to the funding allocated for the program, which is capped at $190 million.

“The processing of applicants began on Dec. 17 and health coverage will begin on Jan. 1,” Brown said. “Porter County residents in need of health insurance should sign up as soon as they can.”

Applications for HIP are available at www.hip.in.gov. Or e-mail hipinfo@fssa.in.gov. Or call toll free (877) 438-4479. Applications may also be obtained at these four locations in Porter County:

•Porter County Division of Family Services, 152 Indiana Ave. in Valparaiso.

•Hilltop Community Health Center, 454 S. College Ave. in Valparaiso.

•North Shore Health Centers, 6450 U.S. Highway 6 in Portage.

•Portage Township Trustee, 3484 Airport Road in Portage.

“The application is four pages long but help is available for anyone who feels uncomfortable filling out the form,” Brown said. Call Brown’s office at (800) 382-9842. Or e-mail

 mailto:H14@govH3@in.gov

 Or write Brown in care of the Indiana House of Representatives, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46205.

Posted 12/19/2007