Hemophilia

IC 16-41-18

Chapter 18. Prevention and Treatment Programs: Hemophilia Care and Treatment Program

IC 16-41-18-1 Repealed

(Repealed by P.L.87-1994, SEC.16.)

IC 16-41-18-2 Hemophilia

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "hemophilia" means a bleeding tendency resulting from a genetically determined deficiency factor in the blood. As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.24.

IC 16-41-18-3 Care and treatment programs

Sec. 3. (a) The state department shall establish a program for the care and treatment of persons suffering from hemophilia.
(b) The program established under subsection (a) shall assist persons who:
(1) require continuing treatment with blood and blood derivatives to avoid crippling, extensive hospitalization, and other effects associated with the critical, chronic bleeding condition; and
(2) are unable to pay for the entire cost of such services on a continuing basis despite the existence of various types of hospital medical insurance coverage, Medicare, Medicaid, other government assistance programs, and private charitable assistance programs.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.24.

IC 16-41-18-4 Repealed

(Repealed by P.L.87-1994, SEC.16.)

IC 16-41-18-5 Development of care and treatment programs

Sec. 5. The state department may do the following:
(1) Develop standards for determining eligibility for care and treatment under the hemophilia program established under this chapter.
(2) Assist in the development and expansion of programs for the care and treatment of persons suffering from hemophilia, including the following:
(A) Self-administration.
(B) Prevention.
(C) Home care.
(D) Other medical and dental procedures and techniques designed to provide maximum control over bleeding episodes typical of the condition.
(3) Extend financial assistance to persons suffering from hemophilia in obtaining blood, blood derivatives and concentrates, and other efficacious agents for use in hospital, medical, and dental facilities and at home or participate in the cost of blood processing to the extent that such support will facilitate the supplying of blood, blood derivatives and concentrates, and other efficacious agents to hemophiliac patients at an economical cost, thus increasing the effectiveness of the money appropriated to carry out this chapter.
(4) Adopt rules necessary to carry out this chapter.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.24. Amended by P.L.87-1994, SEC.10.

IC 16-41-18-6 Violations

Sec. 6. (a) Except as otherwise provided, a person who recklessly violates or fails to comply with this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor.

(b) Each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense.

As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.24.

Indiana State Hemophilia Insurance Program

The Indiana State Hemophilia Insurance Program (ISHIP) is operated by the Indiana Department of Health through its Division of HIV/STD/VH. It provides insurance premium assistance for eligible individuals with hemophilia and other related conditions through participating Indiana Qualified Health Plans.

1. Residency. The applicant must reside in Indiana (currently and for the past twelve months).
2. Age. The applicant must be 64 years of age or younger.
3. Diagnosis. The applicant must be diagnosed with either hemophilia or von Willebrand disease.
4. Income. The applicant must document income that is equal to or less than total liabilities, including the cost of factor. Total liquid assets cannot exceed $10,000 (excluding retirement fund, 401K, deferred compensation, federal thrift savings program, and Ricky Ray settlement).
5. Health Care Coverage. The applicant must not be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. If the applicant has, or has access to, any health insurance coverage (e.g., insurance coverage offered by an employer) but has chosen to decline the coverage, that applicant is not eligible for ISHIP.

Below are answers to a series of commonly asked questions about the program, its benefits, and its limitations.

Q: Why should I apply for this insurance program?
A: ISHIP can help eligible individuals afford quality medical care. The average cost to the consumer on ISHIP is only a fraction of the potential out-of-pocket cost for treating hemophilia and related conditions without insurance coverage.

Q: What is the Indiana Comprehensive Health Insurance Association Program?
A: ICHIA is the state’s high-risk insurance pool. It was created by State law and became effective on July 1, 1982. and dissolved on January 31, 2014.  It existed to provide comprehensive insurance coverage to those who are otherwise ineligible for traditional insurance.

Q: If I have insurance now, should I drop it?
A: No,  you should not cancel your existing coverage.

Q: Will I have to pay for anything?
A: Yes, enrollees are responsible for the cost of all co-payments, deductibles, out-of-network charges, and the cost of non-covered services.

Q: When would my insurance coverage begin?
A: Once the applicant is determined to be eligible, the coverage generally becomes effective on the first day of the month following the date of the eligibility determination...

Q: How often is my eligibility reviewed?
A: Eligibility is reviewed annually. Each year, the applicant, or person(s) responsible for the applicant, will receive a letter requesting the submission of the previous year’s signed income tax return and relevant W-2 forms, written verification of any IRS extension(s), or proof of lack of income. Other documentation may also be requested to verify current residency, age, health care coverage, living expenses, and current cost of factor.

Q: Why is the Department of Health helping to pay for insurance?
A: The Indiana Department of Health is committed to assisting all persons diagnosed with hemophilia and related conditions and strives to help provide the most comprehensive health care services available. The Indiana State Hemophilia Insurance Program is an important and cost-effective component of this effort.

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This fact sheet contains information regarding the Indiana State Hemophilia Insurance Program only. The benefit documents provided by the insurance carrier explain the actual terms of the insurance policy, your rights, obligations, and benefits. For more information regarding ISHIP, you may contact the Enrollment Specialist at 866-588-4948 (option 1).

• Hemophilia Notice of Privacy Practices (English)
• Hemophilia Notice of Privacy Practices (Spanish)

For information about ISHIP (The Indiana State Hemophilia Insurance Program), please call the Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center.

Tel: 317-871-0000
Toll Free: 877-256-8837