Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced additional steps the state is taking to help Hoosiers who are impacted by the novel coronavirus COVID-19 to reduce the spread of the virus. As of noon today, the state has 12 Hoosiers who have tested presumptively positive for COVID-19.
Under Gov. Holcomb’s direction:
· All state agencies are evaluating rules and regulations that should be suspended or modified to assist Hoosiers during this public emergency.
· Hoosiers who need to renew their Medicaid eligibility will get more time to complete the process. No services will be interrupted.
· Family Social Services Administration (FSSA) has asked federal officials to approve a request to temporarily waive the renewal process for Hoosiers who need SNAP or TANF benefits.
· Hoosiers on Medicaid will not pay co-pays for COVID-19 testing. More information is here.
· Hoosiers on Medicaid can get 90-day refills of medication for chronic conditions.· State officials are collaborating with the Indiana Department of Education to discuss solutions regarding student assessments and meals for children whose schools have closed. DOE issued this guidance for schools regarding the 20-day waiver of the required 180 instructional days that Gov. Holcomb announced on Thursday.
· FSSA has given daycares specific guidance to protect children in their care. The latest guidance is here.
· Community meals for senior citizens are being converted to home meal deliveries. Local partners, such as Area Agencies on Aging, have been given funding flexibility to cover the added costs of delivering meals. Thousands of meals are being served daily.
· Every community has a child care resource and referral agency to connect parents with local child care options and provide referrals for support. Families can find their local Child Care Resource and Referral by calling 800-299-1627 or by consulting this map.Gov. Holcomb is in constant contact with federal officials and the Indiana State Department of Health to monitor the situation and redirect state resources as needed as the state works to slow the spread of the virus. If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus:
· Stay home unless you need to seek medical care.
· Avoid public areas and public transportation
· Stay away from others as much as possible, especially people who are the most at risk such as older adults with multiple medical problems and those with a weakened immune system
· Don’t shake hands
· Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening such as difficulty breathing and call your doctor or healthcare facility before you seek care. More information may be found at the ISDH website at https://on.in.gov/COVID19 and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
