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Application for the State of Indiana Children’s Health Insurance Program Amendment #7

Effective Date:

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Approval Date:

Legislative oversight of the CHIP program will be provided by the Select Joint Committee on Medicaid Oversight.

Promotion of Plan Implementation: The Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Panel appeared before various editorial boards as a means of increasing awareness of the CHIP program. A CHIP website was developed to provide information regarding the CHIP program. This website (http://www.in.gov/fssa/ompp/2545.htm) is updated regularly and also includes a link to the Hoosier Healthwise website for families. Radio and television public service announcements were aired throughout the State. A radio blitz that included information about Hoosier Healthwise in a ―Back to School‖ message was run throughout the State. Billboards, bus placards, and newspaper ads have also been used to promote the program. And, with the assistance of local DFR offices, local newspapers have run articles informing families about Hoosier Healthwise.

9.9.1 Describe the process used by the state to ensure interaction with Indian Tribes and organizations in the state on the development and implementation of the (Section 2107(c)) (42CFR 457.120(c))

Indiana contracted with the Indiana Minority Health Coalition (IMHC) and Wishard Hispanic Health Project during the design, implementation, and early stages of the CHIP program to develop culturally sensitive materials targeting a Native American audience and to assure that Native American children who are eligible for the program received assistance. Currently, the Coordinator of the American Indian Center is available in an advisory role to the State regarding this population.

9.9.2 For an amendment relating to eligibility or benefits (including cost sharing and enrollment procedures), please describe how and when prior public notice was 457.65 (b) through (d).

In the 2002 Indiana legislative session, state law (P.L. 107-2002) was passed to eliminate continuous eligibility from Hoosier Healthwise. As a result, it was necessary to amend our MCHIP administrative rules. As required by Indiana's rulemaking statute (IC 4-22-2), the agency provided public notice of the change before the rule was adopted. The proposed rule was published in the Indiana Register on June 1, 2002. Notice of the public hearing concerning the proposed change was published in the Indianapolis Star newspaper on May 24, 2002. A public hearing was held June 24, 2002. The agency complied with the public notice requirements prior to the July 1, 2002 effective date of the change in eligibility.

In addition to the public notice required by the rulemaking process, we provided notice of the change to all Hoosier Healthwise members. All Hoosier Healthwise members were sent a notice between June 17, 2002 and June 21, 2002 advising them of the change in law and how it would affect them. In addition, the CHIP premium collection vendor also sent flyers out with members' invoices in order to provide them with an additional reminder of the change in eligibility. These flyers were included with the June, July, and August 2002 invoices.