FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, February 12, 2021
Contact: Tina Darling, (812) 478-3919 ext. 248, e-mail: tdarling@indianarha.org
Cara Veale (812) 478-3919 e-mail: cveale@indianarha.org
IRHA encourages Hoosier families to explore health coverage during Marketplace Special Enrollment Period
WASHINGTON, Indiana – IRHA’s Connecting Kids to Coverage (CKC) program is assisting Hoosier families in completing applications. Either for state health insurance coverage or through Indiana’s Federally Facilitated Marketplace platform, healthcare.gov. IRHA has four licensed Indiana insurance navigators. They are also Marketplace Certified Application Counselors and are ready to serve Indiana’s families.
According to a 2019 report, 7.1% of Indiana children do not have health insurance. Ranking Indiana 10th in the nation for highest child uninsured rates (Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, 2019). Layoffs and furloughs from the COVID-19 public health emergency have placed an added burden on Hoosiers. They may have previously relied on employer-sponsored coverage for themselves and their families. To address this situation, the Biden administration is opening a Marketplace special enrollment period (SEP) from February 15 to May 15, 2021.
“IRHA is proud to have our CKC team in place and ready to help Hoosier families during this SEP,” said Cara Veale, IRHA Chief Executive Officer. “This is a great option for families who may not qualify for state coverage. And have no employer-sponsored health coverage to fall back on.”
The CKC team is available to consult with families regarding their health insurance options such as Marketplace. In addition, Hoosier Healthwise and the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). Residents can receive free assistance with the application process. As well as help to maintain their coverage from year to year. Appointments can be made online at www.indianaruralhealth.org/CKC-IN; by email at navigator@indianarha.org; or by phone at 812-478-3919, ext 248.
To invite a CKC team member to join your event, please contact Tina Darling, CKC Program Director, at tdarling@indianarha.org, or 317-478-3919, ext. 248. Follow us on Facebook: Connecting Kids to Coverage – Indiana, and on Twitter: @kids_coverage.
The CKC project is supported by Funding Opportunity Number 1Y1CMS331712-02-00 from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
About the Indiana Rural Health Association
The Indiana Rural Health Association was organized in 1997 and is a nonprofit organization. It’s working to enhance the health and well-being of rural populations in Indiana through leadership, education, advocacy, collaboration, and resource development. In addition, the founding organizers who are committed to impacting the health of citizens through the identification of rural health issues. Also, through advocacy roles in both the public and private sectors. IRHA membership is made up of almost 3,000 individuals and organizations. This makes it the largest state rural health association in the nation, and a nationally recognized leader in rural health care. For more information, visit www.indianaruralhealth.org