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Learn About CHIP in Indiana

The Indiana Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a type of health insurance provided by the government. IN CHIP is referred to Hoosier Healthwise across the state. If a family does not have Medicaid eligibility children from that family can still be eligible for CHIP enrollment. CHIP and Medicaid enrollment are very similar, but have different rules and regulations to which the two programs must adhere. For those asking, “What is CHIP Medicaid?” and “What is covered by CHIP Medicaid?” continue reading the below sections.

What is Indiana’s Children’s Health Insurance Program?

The IN Children’s Health Insurance Program, or Hoosier Healthwise, is a form of government-backed medical benefits. Each state has its own version of CHIP that is managed in different ways. For example, some states allow one to apply for Medicaid and CHIP enrollment at the same time, while others require applicants to apply for one program at a time. After a beneficiary is enrolled in the program, he or she will have access to many health professionals and providers that are in-network with CHIP in Indiana. Beneficiaries can choose whatever doctor they want, as long as the medical professional is within network. Depending on the type of services provided, certain CHIP enrollees will have to pay a small portion for the services received. It is important to note that government-provided health insurance may not cover the cost of using an out-of-network provider.

Is CHIP Considered Medicaid in Indiana?

Indiana CHIP is not considered Medicaid, yet it is still a type of government-provided health coverage. CHIP is not Medicaid for children, but is an extension of the Medicaid program. The purpose of CHIP is to keep children who may not have Medicaid eligibility healthy by providing them access to health insurance. Children’s Medicaid and Medicaid for adults serve those who have very low incomes, or have disabilities. Children on CHIP come from families that earn too much for Medicaid, but still need assistance in paying for health care. Medicaid eligible children will have all of the costs surrounding approved medical services covered, while those enrolled in CHIP will have to pay low premiums and a small portion of the costs of certain services, which will vary depending on their families’ incomes.

Download our guide to review more information about Medicaid and CHIP.

Who qualifies for CHIP in Indiana?

Before learning how to apply for CHIP, you first must understand who can enroll in the program. Those who meet the following guidelines can be covered by CHIP:

  • Applicants must be age 18 or younger
  • Applicants must be legal residents or U.S. citizens
  • Applicants must not have private health insurance
  • Applicants must have income levels within program guidelines

Indiana CHIP also provides a version of the program for expectant women called Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women. This plan covers pregnant women in order to give them both prenatal care and postnatal care for a short time after giving birth.

To learn more about how to apply for medical assistance, download our free guide.

What Services Are Covered By CHIP in Indiana?

Several types of services are covered by CHIP benefits for those who qualify for the program. Covered CHIP services include the following:

  • Doctor’s visits
  • Immunizations
  • Hospital stays
  • Emergency transportation
  • Mental health services
  • Prescription medication
  • X-rays and laboratory tests

Medicaid for children includes enrollment in a benefits program called Package A, which includes the above services, but adds coverage for hospice care and non-emergency medical transportation. CHIP enrollees are on Package C, which include the services listed above and many more types of treatments. In most cases, check-ups and shots will not come with copays. And, even though some services are covered by CHIP, they may have limitations on how many treatments or services one can receive. In most cases, beneficiaries can only receive one physical per year.

Note that failing to pay the required premium for CHIP enrollment may result in being unenrolled from the program. If this happens, the beneficiary will have to apply to CHIP again, which can result in having to wait to have certain medical services covered by the program.

How to Apply For CHIP in Indiana

Applying for CHIP benefits in IN will follow a slightly different procedure than the rules for how to apply for Medicaid. Both Medicaid and CHIP applications are available online, over the phone and in person. You can apply for CHIP online by creating an account on the Benefits Portal provided by the Indiana Department of Family Resources. Paper applications can be sent to the Department by sending it to the local DFR office. Those who want to apply for the Children’s Health Insurance Program in Indiana can also sign up via phone. However, it will take up to 90 days for the application to be processed. The CHIP enrollment process also includes providing important documents to verify identity, income and citizen/immigration status. Giving false information to the Department of Family Resources while applying for benefits could result in criminal charges.