Alternative Healthcare Options for Graduate Students

State and Federal Plans

The Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning (OMPP) finances basic, cost-effective medical health coverage programs for low-income residents of the state of Indiana. This is done in accordance with state and federal requirements and at a reasonable cost to Indiana's taxpayers, by providing insurance coverage for health care and making timely and accurate payments to providers of health care services.

The Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) is a health insurance program for uninsured adult Hoosiers ages 18-64. The program is sponsored by the State of Indiana and requires sliding-scale monthly contributions from enrollees. (Participants pay between 2% and 5% of their gross family income; the exact amount depends upon income level and family size). Enrolled members choose a primary care physician for wellness care. Diagnostic, medical, hospital, mental health, and prescription services are also covered by the HIP plan. An individual cannot be excluded from the Healthy Indiana Plan based on their medical condition. If an applicant meets HIP eligibility criteria, they will not be denied coverage because of pre-existing and/or serious medical conditions, including chronic diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. The HIP application includes a brief medical questionnaire to identify applicants with serious health conditions, in order to facilitate placement and immediate medical coverage in the Enhanced Services Plan.

Hoosier Healthwise is a health insurance program that offers free or low cost health care coverage for eligible children and pregnant women. Hoosier Healthwise covers children's checkups, well-child visits, vision and dental care, and much more. Pregnant women receive coverage for maternity visits, labor and delivery, and two months post-partum. To qualify for Hoosier Healthwise, a child must live in Indiana, be under age 19, and live in a family that makes at or below the monthly income limits, listed on the State of Indiana's income eligibility chart. This information also includes income guidelines that define eligibility criteria for pregnant women enrolling in Hoosier Healthwise. NOTE: Non-U.S. citizens who meet the requirements may be eligible for emergency services coverage.

Other Plans

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need through the program that is right for them. Many will get their medications free or nearly free.

If you recently had health insurance through an employer, you and your family could be eligible for COBRA or continuation under a previous plan. This can sometimes be costly, but it may be helpful to get by, if needed.

The city of Bloomington has created a webpage to help you review your healthcare options.