Healthy Indiana 2.0: “HIP Link” Information for Employers

Following Governor Pence's approval of HIP 2.0 earlier this year, the program has grown to include more than 293,000 Hoosiers. There are still hundreds of thousands more Hoosiers out there that can benefit from HIP 2.0.  The Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) is a program for low income Hoosiers and was modeled after consumer-driven healthcare. HIP offers members a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Personal Wellness and Responsibility (POWER) account to which members contribute.  Indiana replaced traditional Medicaid and expanded HIP to all non-disabled Hoosier age 19-64 with household incomes at or below approximately 138% of the federal poverty level.  Hoosiers with incomes of up to $16,436.80 annually for an individual, $22,246.25 for a couple are generally eligible to participate in HIP.  HIP 2.0 includes HIP Link, a new premium assistance program for eligible individuals with access to employer-sponsored insurance.

What is HIP Link?

• A new State program that is part of Indiana’s nationally recognized Health Indiana Plan model.  The Health Indiana Plan or “HIP” was expanded to provide health coverage to eligible Hoosiers with household incomes at or below approximately 138% of the federal poverty level.
• HIP Link offer premium assistance for HIP participants age 21 and older who choose to participate in their employers’ sponsored health plans.  Employees must meet HIP eligibility requirements.
• Spouses and/or eligible adults may also receive coverage if HIP-eligible.

What types of employers can participate in HIP Link?

• Employers that employ Indiana residents who are HIP eligible, agree to contribute at least 50% to the premium cost and offer plans that meet minimum benefits and cost requirements within the program’s limit.

Why should employers participate in HIP Link?

• More employees may be able to take advantage of commercial health insurance benefits.
  o An increase in employees may help to meet industry and marketplace participation rates or lower group premium rates.
• Employees can better manage healthcare costs with their HIP Link POWER Account and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), if offered by employer.
• Potential to expand employee base and increase retention by being listed as an approved HIP Link Employer.
• Possible tax benefits for small employers using the Health Insurance Marketplace.
• HIP Link does not disrupt current employer-sponsored health insurance and can be incorporated at any time.

HIP Employer Overview
HIP Info For Employers

For more information regarding Eligibility, Key Concepts and FAQs, please click here.

To download the new kit and begin using its materials immediately, please click here.