Enrollment Deadline Extension Announced
Indiana health officials have granted additional time for Medicaid beneficiaries to make critical healthcare decisions. The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced Thursday an extension of the open enrollment period through December 24, providing an extra week for hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers to navigate significant changes in their healthcare coverage.
The extension affects two major programs: the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), which serves low-income adults across the state, and PathWays for Aging, the specialized Medicaid program designed for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Originally scheduled to close in mid-December, the enrollment window remains open due to unprecedented member engagement and the complexity of decisions facing Indiana residents.
Why the Extension Matters
FSSA officials cited “high engagement” from members seeking guidance with coverage decisions as the primary reason for extending the deadline. This additional time proves crucial as approximately 300,000 Indiana residents face mandatory plan changes following the state’s decision to phase out MDwise as a managed care option.
Understanding the Medicaid Program Changes
The current enrollment period represents a significant transition in Indiana’s Medicaid landscape. In November, FSSA announced that MDwise will cease serving as a managed care health plan for Indiana’s Medicaid programs, including HIP and Hoosier Healthwise, effective January 1, 2025.
Affected Programs
Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) members currently covered through MDwise must transition to new carriers. This program serves as Indiana’s primary Medicaid option for low-income working-age adults, providing comprehensive healthcare coverage to thousands of Hoosiers.
PathWays for Aging beneficiaries also face enrollment decisions, though MDwise was not a provider for this particular program. PathWays specifically addresses the healthcare needs of seniors and disabled individuals requiring specialized care coordination.
Impact on Indiana Residents
The magnitude of this transition cannot be understated. With approximately 300,000 Hoosiers currently enrolled in MDwise plans, this represents one of the largest managed care transitions in Indiana’s recent history. These individuals must now evaluate new coverage options and make informed decisions about their healthcare future.
Who Needs to Take Action
Current MDwise members enrolled in HIP or Hoosier Healthwise programs must actively select a new managed care provider. Even beneficiaries satisfied with their current coverage must participate in this mandatory transition, as continuing with MDwise is not an option beyond December 31, 2024.
Plan Selection Options Available
Indiana Medicaid beneficiaries have three managed care organizations to choose from during this open enrollment period:
For HIP and Hoosier Healthwise Members
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- CareSource Indiana
- Managed Health Services (MHS)
For PathWays for Aging Members
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Humana Healthy Horizons
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Indiana
Each carrier offers comprehensive Medicaid benefits, but coverage networks, provider availability, and additional services may vary. Members should carefully review each option to ensure their current healthcare providers participate in their chosen plan’s network.
Automatic Enrollment Process
Indiana residents enrolled in HIP or PathWays for Aging who do not actively select a plan by the December 24 deadline will not lose coverage. Instead, FSSA will automatically enroll these individuals in a plan “that closely matches their current coverage,” considering factors such as provider networks and service utilization patterns.
Special Provisions for MDwise Members
Recognizing the significant disruption caused by the MDwise termination, FSSA has implemented special flexibility measures. Former MDwise members will receive a 90-day window after open enrollment ends to switch plans if they are dissatisfied with their auto-assigned coverage. This grace period extends through late March 2025, providing additional time to evaluate new coverage and make adjustments as needed.
Background on MDwise Termination
FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob previously explained the rationale behind ending MDwise’s participation in Indiana’s Medicaid program. According to Roob, a comprehensive review revealed that MDwise “was both the most expensive and the lowest in quality” among Indiana’s managed care options.
The termination serves dual purposes: helping Indiana meet federal requirements while “safeguarding members’ access to care.” This decision aligns with broader cost-containment efforts initiated by Governor Mike Braun’s administration to control rapidly growing Medicaid expenditures while improving program quality.
Legal Challenges and State Response
MDwise has not accepted the state’s decision without resistance. The organization filed legal challenges arguing that the termination will disrupt patient care and harm its longstanding business operations in Indiana. However, a judge denied MDwise’s request for a temporary restraining order, allowing the state’s transition plans to proceed as scheduled.
How to Take Action
Indiana Medicaid beneficiaries should:
- Review plan options at Indiana’s Medicaid website
- Contact FSSA member services for enrollment assistance
- Verify provider networks before selecting a plan
- Complete enrollment by December 24 to choose your preferred coverage
- Keep confirmation documentation for your records
For enrollment assistance, members can contact Indiana Medicaid member services or visit local FSSA offices throughout the state.
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