HIP Requests Bridge To Work Waiver, Would Extend Health Savings Accounts

The state of Indiana has proposed a new program to help transition people from Indiana's Medicaid expansion program, HIP 2.0, to commercial health insurance. If approved, the HIP Workforce Bridge program will be the first of its kind.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration requested federal approval for the move that would allow HIP members to use money in their health savings, or POWER accounts for up to a year.

In a statement FSSA Secretary Jennifer Walthall said, "Many of us know from experience that even when someone gets a new job, there can still be a period of time when health care costs are a concern."

The proposal is aligned with Indiana's Gateway to Work program which launched this year and requires people on HIP 2.0 to meet work requirements. It is open for public comment for 30 days.