TradeWinds Expands HealthCare Benefits with HIP Link

TradeWinds-Expands-HealthCare-Benefits-with-HIP-LinkAcknowledging the fact that hardworking employees can struggle to afford basic health care, TradeWinds Services, Inc. in Hobart registered as a HIP Link employer under HIP 2.0’s new HIP Employer Benefit Link program. Now, TradeWinds employees who are eligible and choose to participate can receive assistance from the state to help pay their health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses including copayments for doctor visits.

TradeWinds medical insurance brokers, Debra Rykovich and Holly Horan of 1st Source Insurance along with Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) HIP Link outreach coordinator Kayla Hsu and local Covering Kids and Families navigators, recently held two educational sessions for TradeWinds employees to explain HIP Link in more detail, starting with the fact that employees who qualify for HIP Link must have a household income at or below approximately 138 percent of the federal poverty level ($16,436 per year for an individual and $33,865 for a family of four) and meet HIP eligibility requirements.

“HIP Link is designed to bridge the gap for those who have access to their employer’s health plan but choose not to participate due to the cost,” Vernita Johnson-Macklin, Director of Human Resources at TradeWinds where nearly 250 people are employed, said. “Our goal is to make health care coverage affordable for all eligible employees.”

According to First Source Insurance, TradeWinds is now one of just 24 Indiana employers registered for HIP Link, which launched in July. Envisioned as a link or bridge to private coverage for hardworking Hoosiers, HIP Link employer-sponsored health plans must meet the minimum benefit requirements of the Affordable Care Act and be verified as an affordable option for employees. Other employers interested in learning more should go to the state’s website at www.hip.in.gov and click on HIP Link.

Established through philanthropy and volunteer support as the Lake County Association for Crippled Children in the 1940s, TradeWinds was incorporated in 1967 and has helped more than 15,000 people with disabilities achieve greater independence, dignity and personal freedom.

Serving people with special needs by empowering them to realize their full potential, TradeWinds currently delivers a wide range of flexible services that are individualized to meet the unique challenges and care requirements of nearly 900 children and adults. These include child care, adult day and residential services, employment on site and in the community, respite services, Deaf Services at TradeWinds and The Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind Low Vision Clinic at TradeWinds.

A vital community resource, TradeWinds promotes inclusion and acceptance throughout Northwest Indiana. To learn more, go to tradewindsnwi.org online or call 219.945.0100 to schedule a tour.