Kentucky Medicaid to expand eligibility for KI-HIPP with improved application process

FRANKFORT, Ky. (November 4, 2019) – The Kentucky Integrated Health Insurance Premium Payment (KI-HIPP) program has launched a new and improved application process to allow for more Kentuckians to apply and be eligible for KI-HIPP.

K-HIPP is a voluntary Medicaid program which helps eligible Kentuckians cover the cost of an employer-sponsored health insurance plan. Once enrolled, KI-HIPP pays the policy holder for their share of the cost of the insurance premium.

The program is administered by the Department of Medicaid Services, within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).

KI-HIPP provides Medicaid members with access to an expanded network of healthcare providers and more affordable individual and family care without the loss of Medicaid benefits. As an added benefit, the program may allow an entire family to be on the same plan and access the same doctors.

As of October 30, the program has 220 members enrolled which translates to a projected yearly capitation savings of nearly $800,000 for the Medicaid program.

“KI-HIPP is an excellent example of a government partnership that works with employer sponsored insurance market to expand insurance coverage options, particularly for families,” said Carol Steckel, Commissioner of the Department for Medicaid Services (DMS).

“It allows Medicaid beneficiaries to choose a plan that meets their needs and empowers them to take control of their health. The added benefit is that this partnership saves the Medicaid program money.”

Starting November 4, primary policy holders who are not on Medicaid can apply for KI-HIPP if they have at least one Medicaid member on their health plan. KI-HIPP eligibility also includes families with an individual enrolled in a 1915(c) Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver, such as the Michelle P. waiver and Home and Community Based (HCB) waiver.

To improve the KI-HIPP application process, the system now includes a standalone application. This makes it easier for newly eligible Kentuckians to apply or add KI-HIPP to an existing Medicaid case.

Kentuckians enrolled in the existing Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program will transition to KI-HIPP in December 2019. However, no action is required at this time. HIPP program members will receive a letter in the mail with further guidance.

Those who are interested in signing up for the KI-HIPP program can apply online via benefind.ky.gov or call (855) 459-6328.

For more information about KI-HIPP, as well as resources for members and community partners, please visit https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/member/pages/kihipp.aspx.