Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program

The Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program is a MO HealthNet Program that pays for the cost of health insurance premiums for certain MO HealthNet participants. The program purchases health insurance for MO HealthNet-eligible participants when it is determined cost effective. Cost effective means that it costs less to buy the health insurance to cover medical care than to pay for the same services with MO HealthNet funds.

The HIPP Program cannot find health insurance policies for MO HealthNet participants, rather it purchases policies already available to participants through employers, former employers, labor unions, credit unions, church affiliations, other organizations, or individual policies. The HIPP Program is a voluntary program.

Effective January 1, 2023, MO HealthNet will be implementing changes to the HIPP program in accordance with our approved State Plan.

Here are the new changes starting on January 1, 2023:

1. Participants will not be eligible for participation in the HIPP Program if they are eligible for or enrolled in Medicare, MO HealthNet Managed Care, or if they have a policy that is court ordered.
2. Dental and Vision standalone policies will no longer be covered through HIPP. Dental and Vision services will be provided through wrap around coverage.
3. The program is moving to a prospective payment model, meaning that payments for premiums will be paid in advance and HIPP participants will be required to submit proof of payment and/or continuing coverage on a monthly basis.

It is important to note that these changes do not impact eligibility for MO HealthNet (Medicaid) coverage. Any active Medicaid or CHIP participants listed on the policy covered by the HIPP program will still receive benefits through MO HealthNet. Only the private insurance paid for by HIPP is affected by this change.

The HIPP Program at MO HealthNet can be reached at 573-751-2005 or MHD.HIPP@dss.mo.gov for any questions.

Program Information