CMS Approves Hoosier Care Connect – A New Indiana Medicaid Managed Care Program for the Aged, Blind and Disabled

On March 31, 2015 Indiana Health Coverage Programs sent out notice that CMS has approved implementation of Hoosier Care Connect (click here to see the notice).   A more detailed description of the program can be found here and at the Hoosier Care Connect website.  Hoosier Care Connect is a “coordinated care program for Hoosiers age 65 and over, or with blindness or a disability who live in the community and are not eligible for Medicare.”  The program excludes individuals enrolled in Medicare, and those residing in an institution or are receiving services through the Home and Community Based Services wavier.  Three Managed Care Entities, Anthem, MHS, and MD Wise are enrolling eligible persons and are responsible for coordinating the care with medical providers.   

Nursing facilities will be involved in the Hoosier Care Connect program as there are care coordination issues to address for Medicaid beneficiaries that transition between this new managed care program and traditional Medicaid for services within nursing facilities.  Indiana Medicaid has also published a lengthy FAQ document that can be accessed here or at the Hoosier Care Connect website.