Article regarding the Indiana State Department of Health's Hemophila Program:

Members of the bleeding disorders community may not be aware that the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) operates a Hemophilia Program that pays Indiana Comprehensive Health Insurance Association (ICHIA) policy premiums for qualified persons with bleeding disorders. 

The Indiana General Assembly created the State Hemophilia Program in 1975.  The original program used appropriations from the state's general fund to purchase clotting factor for persons with hemophilia.  Around 1990, it became apparent that program funds could help more people if they were used to purchase policies through ICHIA.  A few years later, the Hemophilia Fund became the "Chronic Disease Fund" and was charged with also assisting persons suffering from Chronic Renal Disease and Sickle Cell Disease. 

In 2004, it became apparent that all of the funds appropriated for hemophilia were not being used to serve the bleeding disorders community.  At that time, only 19 community members were being served by the Fund and a waiting list had been established.  As a result, HII, along with the Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center (IHTC), successfully approached ISDH about increasing funds for persons with bleeding disorders.  Today, the fund is paying ICHIA premiums for more than 50 members of the bleeding disorders community and more funds are available. 

The enrollment process for the State Hemophilia Program is complicated but staff at HII and at IHTC can help to simplify it.  For example, if you haven't been denied coverage by an individual insurance plan, the HII or IHTC staff can provide an application for commercial insurance and file it for you.  A person enrolling in the program must meet the enrollment qualifications for both ICHIA and the state program:

Qualifications for ICHIA:

• Must be an Indiana resident for at least one year
• Must not have access to health insurance coverage through a group plan,
• Must be denied coverage for an individual plan by at least one health insure,
• Must apply for Medicaid before enrolling. (Once a Medicaid application is filed enrollment in ICHIA can take place. It is not necessary to wait for a response from Medicaid.)

Qualifications for the State Hemophilia Program:

• Must provide proof of Indiana residency.
• Must provide verification of diagnosis of hemophilia or von Willebrand's Disease

• Must provide verification of factor usage, including the cost of the factor.

      (For most people, the IHTC can provide the second two items.)

Persons who think they may qualify for an ICHIA policy through the State Hemophilia Program should contact the Hemophilia of Indiana offices at (317) 570-0057 or (800) 241-2873 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to arrange an enrollment appointment or to ask any questions about the program.