What happens to the balance of a HIP Plus member's POWER account at the end of the benefit period?

The balance of a HIP Plus member's POWER account at the end of the benefit period can indeed be used to reduce the member's contribution for the following year. This mechanism is designed to incentivize members to effectively utilize their benefits while also providing financial flexibility for future healthcare costs. By allowing the funds in the POWER account to contribute toward the next year's cost-sharing, it promotes continuity of care and encourages members to maintain their health services without facing additional financial burdens.

While other options might seem plausible in different contexts, they do not align with the specific structure and purpose of the POWER account within the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). For instance, the inability to roll over the balance to the next year directly supports the policy's goal of encouraging timely healthcare utilization and cost management.