Covering Kids & Families of Indiana Gets Hoosiers Covered

Since 1999, Covering Kids & Families of Indiana (CKF-IN) has been helping Hoosiers get and keep healthcare coverage. Our certified Indiana Navigators are a free, expert resource for Hoosiers exploring health insurance options for themselves and their families. CKF Navigators guide, assist and support consumers through the application to coverage process. Over the years, Covering Kids & Families expanded our presence and efforts as the need for help in understanding healthcare coverage continued to grow.  New options such as the Healthy Indiana Plan and the Healthcare.gov Marketplace have allowed more Hoosiers to be covered than ever before. CKF-IN and our partners are proud to have been instrumental in addressing the uninsured rates and are committed to continuing this progress.   Now, with hundreds of thousands across Indiana experiencing unemployment and the loss of healthcare coverage through their employer, CKF-IN is here to help our Hoosier neighbors through this unprecedented time. Hoosiers need healthcare coverage to get healthy and stay healthy throughout this crisis and beyond. Wherever you live in Indiana, CKF Navigators can help you understand your options and sign up for healthcare coverage. Virtual appointments with a certified Indiana Navigator are available statewide. In-person assistance, with all the precautions needed to keep you safe, is available for those who prefer in most areas. Whether you meet virtually or in-person, you will receive services from a CKF Agency. These organizations are the key to all that CKF offers and will be your guide to coverage. CLICK HERE for a map of our partnering agencies and CKF services available statewide. CKF assists with coverage options like the Healthy Indiana Plan, Medicaid, the Healthcare.gov Marketplace and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Not sure what you need or which programs for which you may qualify? We will help you figure that out, too. If your life circumstances have changed, we will make certain you know about all your options. We will also assist you with renewing your coverage if needed. Appointments with CKF are easy to make. Just visit us at www.ckfindiana.org or call us at 1-888-975-4CKF and we will get you started on your path to coverage. Contact Covering Kids & Families today to learn more about how we are helping Hoosiers get covered and stay covered, both now and into the future. Interesting in becoming a part of our efforts? Contact Susan Jo Thomas, CKF-IN Executive Director, at sthomas@ckfindiana.org.

Visit the CKF Indiana Website

IHCP announces update to transportation policy for minors

Transportation Policy Update for Minors by Family Voices Indiana on Scribd

If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children: Protect yourself and your family from COVID-19

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made changes to guidance on the risk of COVID to pregnant women.  In a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) published last week, the CDC indicated that pregnant women may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness.  More specifically, the MMWR study determined that pregnant women with COVID-19 were more likely than non-pregnant women to be hospitalized and at increased risk for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and the receipt of mechanical ventilation.  In its public-facing guidance, CDC notes that among pregnant people with COVID-19 “there may be an increased risk of adverse pregnant outcomes, such as preterm birth.”

In light of these new findings, the CDC is recommending that pregnant women be counseled about the potential risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and measures to prevent infection. Additionally, potential barriers to adherence to these measures should be addressed. Per CDC, specific actions pregnant women can take include “not skipping prenatal care appointments, limiting interactions with other people as much as possible, taking precautions to prevent getting COVID-19 when interacting with others, having at least a 30-day supply of medicines, and talking to their health care provider about how to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

More Information can be found here

New transportation provider specialty - Transportation Network Company (TNC), and how to enroll

New Transportation Provider Specialty - Transportation Network Company (TNC), And How to Enroll by Family Voices Indiana on Scribd

Portal enhanced for Family Member transportation provider enrollment

Portal Enhanced for Family Member Transportation Provider Enrollment by Family Voices Indiana on Scribd

New Resources from BDDS

The Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services is committed to working collaboratively with case managers and providers during this extraordinary time. We appreciate the hands-on and coordinated efforts and responses our case managers and providers have demonstrated. As part of this commitment, BDDS has the following updates of interest:

• New resources for upcoming waiver renewals on the DDRS Announcements page:
  • Every five years states are required to renew their waivers with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This year the Family Supports and Community Integration and Habilitation waivers were due for renewal. Through the renewal process, BDDS had the opportunity to make some changes based upon feedback received from individuals and families over the past several years. The renewals were approved by CMS with an effective date of July 16, 2020. In anticipation of this date, BDDS is publishing a HCBS Waiver Renewal Fact Sheet for Case Managers and Providers, as well as a HCBS Waiver Renewal Fact Sheet for Families. It is important to note that the renewals are not in place of the waiver redesign efforts.
• New resource for individuals and families now available on the DDRS COVID-19 page:
  • BDDS is pleased to share a new video for self-advocates and families on Deciding What is Right For You as Indiana Re-Opens. Completed in partnership with The Arc of Indiana and Self-Advocates of Indiana, this video shares information and considerations as individuals and families consider what re-opening means in their life.
  • The Self-Advocates of Indiana have recently published Know Your Rights During COVID-19 that covers rights ranging from safe living environments, making staffing decisions, working with providers to create solutions and everything in between. SAI has also published a series of training videos on their YouTube channel. These videos include tips and tricks to navigate the reopening process and include topics like health/safety, mask usage, and returning to community services.

• New resources for providers and case managers now available on the DDRS COVID-19 page:

• • • BDDS has posted Updated Guidance for BDDS Providers on Temporary Policy Changes Related to COVID-19 and Appendix K. In addition, an Updated FAQ for BDDS Providers on Temporary Policy Changes is also available.
    • The July 1, 2020, provider and case manager webinar recording is now available.
    • BDDS is hosting a provider and case manager webinar on Wednesday, July 15,2020,^, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. EDT. The webinar will include an overview of updates and clarifications on temporary policy changes related to COVID-19 and Appendix K.

  • The webinar will be held via Microsoft Live. To participate in the provider and case manager webinar please log in using this link.

    • You will have the option of joining from the web or opening the event in Microsoft Teams, if you have it installed.
    • Before watching the webinar, please:
      • Learn more about attending a Microsoft Live event.
      • Make sure your browser allows third-party cookies.
      • Ensure your browser supports Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Azure Media Player.
    • During the webinar, we will provide a mechanism for participants to confirm their participation for purposes of receiving a Certificate of Attendance.
    • An additional provider and case manager webinars will be held on July 29, 2020, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. EDT. Details for accessing these future events will be sent via DDRS Announcements prior to the webinar.

     

    
    

FSSA changes rates and services for the FSW and CIH Waiver

Families can use the rates on the table at the bottom of the bulletin to determine their child's budget.

FSSA Changes Rates and Services for the FSW and CIH Waiver by Family Voices Indiana on Scribd