The state’s Healthy Indiana Plan has received a reprieve from federal officials. Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Monday that the HIP has received an extension to continue through Feb. 28. The program was set to expire on Wednesday.

“We had hoped to receive approval of our expanded HIP program by Wednesday. We’re close but we are still working through the final details of our new plan with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,” said Gov. Holcomb. “This extension allows us to continue HIP until the waiver application is approved. Our more than 400,000 HIP participants will see no change in service.”

Indiana submitted a HIP waiver application in January 2017 and filed an amendment in the summer. When the waiver is approved, state officials say that Indiana will expand treatment options to Hoosiers impacted by the drug epidemic, enhance opportunities to connect eligible HIP participants to meaningful employment and community engagement, and ease administrative burdens for HIP members.

HIP was created in 2007 by Gov. Mitch Daniels. The program focuses on improving health outcomes and reducing the costs of healthcare delivery for all who participate. Gov. Mike Pence expanded the program in 2015 as Indiana’s alternative to traditional Medicaid expansion.