MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES

AIDS/HIV Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program

Program Goal:

To ensure that persons living with AIDS/HIV-related illness can continue their health insurance coverage even though the person's ability to maintain the coverage is reduced because of their illness.

What services does the AIDS/HIV HIPP program provide?

The AIDS/HIV HIPP program helps persons living with AIDS/HIV-related illness by paying their health insurance premiums when they become too ill to work.

Who is eligible for services from the AIDS/HIV HIPP program?

To qualify for services under the AIDS/HIV HIPP program, the person must:

• Be ineligible for Medicaid
• Be a resident of Iowa
• Provde a doctor's certification that the person's ability to work is impaired due to AIDS or HIV-related illness.
• Be the policyholder of the health insurance plan or be a dependent on their spouse's health plan.
• Have "liquid" assets (cash, stocks, bank accounts, etc.) of less than $10,000.
• Meet the income limits.

What is the income limit for the AIDS/HIV HIPP program?

Gross income cannot exceed 300% of the federal povery level for a household of the same size.  Effective March 1, 2009, the monthly limits are:

• 1 Person Household - $2,708.00
• 2 Person Household - $3,645.00
• Add $936.00 for each additional person in the household

How can I apply for the AIDS/HIV HIPP program?

An application is included in the program brochure called "The Iowa AIDS/HIV Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (Comm 99)".  You may obtain a brochure by calling or visiting your local county Department of Human Services Office or by calling the toll-free HIPP customer service number at 1-888-346-9562.

How is the Program Structured?

The AIDS/HIV program is administered by the staff of the HIPP Program Unit in Des Moines.  The HIPP program is part of the Bureau of Medical Supports, Division of Financial, Health and Work Supports, of the Iowa Department of Human Services.

• Anita Smith is the Chief of the Bureau of Health Supports
• Kaye Kellis is the Program Manager for the HIPP program
• Vicki Piedras is the Program Specialist for the HIPP AIDS/HIV program

What If I Have More Questions?

You can call the toll-free HIPP customer service number at 1-888-346-9562.  Please ask for Vicki Piedras.  All communications regarding this program will be held in the strictest confidence.