Fast Track is a payment option that allows HIP applicants to make a $10 prepayment while their application is being processed. This can help make the effective date of coverage sooner and speed up enrollment in HIP Plus. The $10 payment goes toward the first POWER account contribution.
If you make a Fast Track payment and are eligible for HIP, your HIP Plus coverage will begin the first of the month in which you made your Fast Track payment.
How do I make a Fast Track payment?
Payments can be made by credit or debit card at the time the application is submitted or, after applying, while the application is being processed. Fast Track payments are made to the health plan selected on your application (Anthem, CareSource, MDwise or MHS). The health plan will send an invoice, and from the date the invoice is issued, you have 60 days to make either a Fast Track payment or your first POWER account contribution in order to be enrolled in HIP Plus.
After making the payment you may not change your health plan, so be sure you select the right one for you. For help making your selection, call 1-877-GET-HIP-9.
Payments made with the online application: Anyone who applies online will have the opportunity to make a Fast Track payment by credit or debit card when completing the application. You must select a health plan on your application in order to make a payment at the time of application. If you make a Fast Track payment and are determined to be eligible for HIP then your HIP Plus coverage will begin the first of the month that you submitted your application and made your payment.
Payments made while your application is being processed: If you do not apply online, or choose not to make a Fast Track payment when you apply, you will still have the opportunity to make a Fast Track payment while your application is being processed. You will receive a Fast Track invoice from the health plan you selected to provide your health coverage. If you did not select a health plan you will be automatically assigned to one. If you pay the Fast Track invoice and are determined to be eligible for HIP then your HIP Plus coverage will begin the first of the month that your payment was received.
What if my POWER account contribution is not $10?
If you are found eligible for HIP and you made your $10 Fast Track payment, this payment will be applied toward your POWER account contribution(s). Your contribution amount may be more or less than $10 per month. If your POWER account contribution amount is less than $10 per month, your $10 payment will be applied to your initial coverage month with the remaining amount applied to future months.
If your POWER account contribution is more than $10, then you will owe the balance in the first coverage month. For example if your POWER account is $15, then your $10 payment will be applied to your first month’s coverage. You will owe an additional $5 for that first month of coverage and $15 for each following month.
What if I am not eligible for HIP?
If you end up not being eligible for HIP and you have made a Fast Track payment, this payment will be refunded to you by the health plan that took the payment.
Do I have to make a Fast Track payment?
While making a Fast Track payment can help ensure you get coverage in HIP Plus as quickly as possible, you are NOT required to make a Fast Track payment. From the date you receive your initial Fast Track invoice you will have 60 days to make a payment to start your HIP Plus coverage. You can pay either the $10 Fast Track payment or your POWER account contribution amount. If you do not make your contribution or Fast Track payment within 60 days and your income is less than the federal poverty level you will be enrolled in HIP Basic where you will have copayments for all services and you will not have vision or dental coverage. If you wait more than 60 days to make a payment and your income is more than the federal poverty level, then you will not get coverage and you will have to reapply for HIP coverage.
Can someone make my Fast Track payment for me?
Yes. You may have someone make your Fast Track payment on your behalf. If a health care provider makes a Fast Track payment for you, the provider should ask you to complete a form that gives them permission to make this payment. You can view this form here.