Indiana Gov. Mike Pence says Medicaid is a "fiscal monstrosity" and hopes a proposed an expansion of the state-run Healthy Indiana Plan will pass muster with federal officials as an alternative way to insure low-income residents.
Pence rolled out his "HIP 2.0" proposal Thursday morning during an event in Indianapolis. The plan would create two tiers of the Healthy Indiana Plan and expand the state's hospital assessment fee to cover the cost.
It also would offer a third option in which workers who can't afford their employers' health care can receive help with their premiums from the state.
The proposal needs approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Pence says Indiana will submit its proposal by the end of June.
