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HIPP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

 Questions:

  1. How can I contact the Department of Health Services (DHCS) Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program?

  2. Do I have to submit original documentation, or will copies be acceptable?

  3. How long does it take to process my application?

  4. If my application is approved for HIPP, can I be reimbursed for months prior to approval for the program?

  5. Can I cancel my private health coverage once approved for the HIPP program?

  6. What do I send HIPP to receive reimbursement?

  7. How long does it take to receive reimbursement?

  8. Why does it take so long to receive a reimbursement?

  9. How does the state budget affect my reimbursement?

  10. What should I do if my insurance company sends me a refund check?

  11. Why does HIPP require Explanation of Benefits (EOBs)?

  12. Can I appeal a decision for termination from the HIPP program?

  13. What is the mailing address?

 

 

Questions and Answers:

  1. How can I contact the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) 
    program? 

    You may contact HIPP by e-mail at HIPP@dhcs.ca.gov or by fax at 916-440-5676.

     
  2. Do I have to submit original documentation, or will copies be acceptable? 

    Copies of all requested documentation are acceptable.

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  3. How long does it take to process my application? 

    New applications are processed within 30 days from receiving all of the required documentation. 


  4. If my application is approved for HIPP, can I be reimbursed for months prior to approval for the program? 

    If you are approved for the HIPP program, reimbursements begin the month of approval. 
    If premiums are past due, you must bring the premiums current before eligibility can be determined. 

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  5. Can I cancel my private health coverage once approved for the HIPP program? 

    If you drop your private health coverage, you will no longer be eligible for the HIPP program.


  6. What do I send HIPP to receive reimbursements? 

    Proof of payment must be received every three months for reimbursement.  That proof can be copies of 
    paystubs, cancelled checks (front and back), bank statements, annuity letters, etc. 

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  7. How long does it take to receive reimbursement? 

    Reimbursement takes approximately eight weeks to process.


  8. Why does it take so long to receive a reimbursement? 

    HIPP prepares an invoice once your proof of payment has been received.  Invoices are reviewed and 
    forwarded to DHCS Accounting for processing.  Once processing has been completed, the invoice is 
    forwarded to the State Controller's Office for a warrant to be issued. 

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  9. How does the state budget affect my reimbursement? 

    When a state budget has not been signed, HIPP reimbursements may be delayed.  If HIPP payments are delayed, HIPP enrollees may be responsible for making their insurance premium payments.  DHCS will reimburse those payments once a state budget has been signed. 


  10. What should I do if my insurance company sends me a refund check? 

    If you receive a refund check for payment that was made by the State, you should immediately forward that 
    check to DHCS (see No. 13 below).

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  11. Why does HIPP require Explanation of Benefits (EOBs)? 

    EOBs show the medical and pharmaceutical services received, the amount the carrier paid for those  
    services, and the amount the beneficiary is responsible for paying (billed and paid).  This information helps 
    to determine your cost effectiveness for the program.


  12. Can I appeal a decision for termination from the HIPP program? 

    In accordance with All County Welfare Directors Letter No. 95-82, there are no appeal rights for the HIPP 
    program. 
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  13. What is the mailing address? 

    Department of Health Care Services 
    Third Party Liability and Recovery Division 
    HIPP Program- MS 4719 
    P.O. Box 997421
    Sacramento, CA  95899-7421