FSSA brings office on wheels to Putnam County

Friday, May 1, 2009

Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) and the Putnam County Hospital are partnering together to bring DFRv -- a fully functional Division of Family Resources office on wheels -- to the Greencastle community today.

This mobile unit travels across the state visiting different communities to inform needy families of extra assistance for which they qualify.

The mobile office is equipped with all the amenities that are needed to serve clients while out on the road.

Staff members will be available in the mobile unit to help Hoosiers file applications for Division of Family Resources programs at Teacher's Credit Union, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.

DFRv offers assistance in filing applications for healthcare and cash assistance programs.

The Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) provides health insurance for uninsured adult Hoosiers between the ages of 19 and 64 whose household income is between 22 and 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). You cannot be eligible for Medicaid to apply.

Eligible participants must be uninsured for at least six months and cannot be eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance.

Covered services include: physician services, prescriptions, diagnostic exams, home health services, outpatient hospital, inpatient hospital, hospice, preventive services, family planning and case and disease management. Mental health coverage is also included and is similar to coverage for physical health, and includes substance abuse treatment, inpatient, outpatient and prescription drugs.

Participants in the program contribute no more than five percent of their gross family income. The exact amount of the contribution depends upon income and family size and is based on a sliding scale.

A person earning above 200 percent FPL, who has been uninsured for six months and does not have access to health insurance through their employer may purchase the plan at full cost, with no subsidy from the State. Prices vary depending on the age, gender, and health risk assessment.

While on site at the DFRv citizens will be able to apply, report changes, or ask questions about these available programs: HIP (Healthy Indiana Plan), Medicaid, Job Training, Food Stamps and Hoosier Healthwise.

"Anyone eligible for any of these programs can sign up. This is a real plus. The more people enrolled in these programs, the better it is for the county," said Dennis Weatherford, Putnam County Hospital Administrator.

Teacher's Credit Union is located at 33 Putnam Plaza in Greencastle. To learn more about DFR and the program requirements call 1-800-403-0864 or visit online at http://www.in.gov/fssa/2407.htm

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  • The comment that "the more people enrolled in these programs, the better it is for the county" is a good example of where this country is going. Who do we think pays for this? We are lacking any call to personal responsibility in so many things. How about the idea that people help themselves by working hard and then they get help if they need it?

    -- Posted by justasking on Fri, May 1, 2009, at 8:32 AM
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