This Week's Facts:

1. Online Portal Connects Americans to Health Living Resources
   
   
2. Healthcare.gov Serves as Clearinghouses of ACA Information
   
   
3. Governor Confirms Agreement to Maintain Healthy Indiana Plan
   
   
4. Secretary of State Lawson to Chair The Walk to End Lupus Now
   

Online Portal Connects Americans to Health Living Resources

Do you want to get news, tips, and resources for a variety of health topics?  You can check out Healthfinder.gov to get the latest news and information on health care and how to live healthier. If you want specific information for yourself, myhealthfinder will suggest preventive services you may need this year and to find out recommended services for a loved one just by a few simple clicks of the mouse.   You can also get information on health topics such as nutrition and physical activity, healthy living, pregnancy and many other topics to help you and your family live a healthy life. If you want healthy tips on the go, you can stay connected with apps, Twitter, or Facebook. You can also send health messages to family and friends with an e-card if they can use reminders. Here’s to your health!

Healthcare.gov Serves as Clearinghouses of ACA Information

By now everyone has heard about the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Whether you’re pro or con, consumers will be able to shop for coverage on October 1st. Healthcare.gov  has information for individuals and families and small businesses. To find out about coverage and to apply for healthcare, you can visit the Marketplace, specific to each state. You can apply online, by mail, or in person with the help of a navigator, someone who is trained to help answer questions about specific insurance and healthcare needs. Insurance plans in the Marketplace are offered by private companies. They cover the same core set of benefits called essential health benefits. You won’t be turned away or charged more because of an illness or medical condition. To find out more about the Affordable Care Act, please visit the website and get information and resources to help you become more informed about your health insurance. Preparation is the key to make informed, smart choices. 

Governor Confirms Agreement to Maintain Healthy Indiana Plan

Governor Mike Pence announced in a September 3 press release that an agreement has been negotiated with the federal government to continue the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) through December 31, 2014. 

“Securing a waiver to continue the Healthy Indiana Plan is a victory for Hoosiers enrolled in this innovative program and will ensure that Indiana remains at the forefront of consumer-driven healthcare in the United States,” said Governor Pence. 

Under the one-year Medicaid waiver, HIP will retain its consumer-driven model and health savings accounts. In addition, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provided the state with additional tools to manage enrollment so Indiana can maintain the program’s fiscal sustainability. 

“The Healthy Indiana Plan has a proven track record of success, and we are pleased to continue the program,” said Debra Minott, Secretary of Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. "Consumer-driven health care helps lower costs over time and provides people with quality care, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Health and Human Services on the future of the Healthy Indiana Plan.” 

The Healthy Indiana Plan began in 2008 under a five-year waiver from the federal government.  It is the nation’s first consumer-directed plan for Medicaid recipients.  Since passage of the Affordable Care Act, Indiana has sought to continue the program and better understand its future through a series of discussions and waiver requests with CMS, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

A copy of the letter from CMS to Secretary Minott granting the waiver, the waiver list and the special terms and conditions of the waiver can be found here.

Secretary of State Lawson to Chair The Walk to End Lupus Now

In a September 23 press release from the Office of the Indiana Secretary of State it was announced that Connie Lawson will serve as Honorary Chairwoman for the Walk to End Lupus Now

Secretary of State Connie Lawson is encouraging all Hoosiers to join the 2013 Walk to End Lupus Now. The Indiana Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America selected Secretary Lawson to serve as honorary chairwoman for this year’s walk to increase awareness and rally public support for those who suffer from its brutal impact. Walk to End Lupus Now events are conducted nationwide by the Lupus Foundation of America. Each year, thousands of people across the country join forces and walk with one unified purpose – to end lupus.

The Walk will take place on Saturday, October 12 at Fort Harrison State Park. This event is a half-day of fun, food and friendship with activities for the whole family to enjoy. When registering, all participants are invited to join Secretary Lawson’s team or create their own. There are no registration fees; however, individuals and teams are encouraged to gather donations that may be made online at www.lupusindiana.org. Check-in for the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 11:00 a.m. Hoosiers are invited to sign up for the 1 mile walk or 5K at www.lupusindiana.org.