INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has partnered with Anthem BlueCross BlueShield to provide HIP Plus members with free vouchers that cover the cost of the Indiana High School Equivalency (HSE) test. The exam assesses skills at the same level as those of graduating high school seniors to ensure workforce and college readiness.
“Workers who have a high school diploma earn more per year and find greater opportunities for career advancement than those without a high-school degree,” said DWD Commissioner Steven J. Braun. “The Indiana HSE is the starting point for anyone without a high school diploma that desires to get a better job or learn new skills through education and training.”
Through this partnership, eligible Anthem BlueCross BlueShield HIP Plus members can register for the Indiana HSE test at locations throughout Indiana. Members then have three opportunities to pass each of five subject areas (reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies) within one year. The HSE testing center will enter a voucher code once a HIP Plus member has completed registration and Anthem Blue Cross BlueShield HIP Plus will cover all test costs.
“As part of our commitment to helping BlueCross BlueShield members, we are constantly seeking opportunities to support programs that can better the lives of Hoosiers,” said Kristen Metzger, plan president for Anthem BlueCross BlueShield Indiana. “We’re proud to offer free Indiana HSE testing for our members and believe this partnership will improve the career and educational opportunities for many Hoosiers.”
BlueCross BlueShield HIP Plus members can sign up to take the free Indiana HSE test beginning January 1, 2017. Additionally, prospective test takers may enroll in free DWD-sponsored adult education classes such as WorkINdiana to prepare for the HSE test. For additional information regarding the Indiana HSE or other adult education services provided by the DWD, please visit www.in.gov/dwd/HSE.htm.
“We are thrilled to work with DWD and Anthem BlueCross BlueShield to help HIP Plus members achieve their high school equivalency in Indiana,” said Susan Engeleiter, CEO and President of Data Recognition Corporation (DRC).
About Indiana Department of Workforce Development
DWD serves the worker and the employer to ensure workplace success. DWD is committed to innovating and invigorating Indiana’s economic future by providing WorkOne Centers, Unemployment Insurance, Labor Market Information, Regional Workforce Strategies and Professional Training. Through these services, DWD is able to develop a premier workforce that enables Indiana employers to flourish and entices businesses from outside our state to relocate to Indiana.
About Test Assessing Secondary Completion
The TASC test is a high school equivalency test that measures academic competence in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. The TASC test is designed to test aptitude and readiness for college as well as workforce skills such as computer literacy and math. Individuals who are not currently enrolled in high school, did not graduate from high school, are at least 16 years of age and meet Indiana state residency requirements are eligible to take the TASC test.
The TASC test is developed and administered by DRC | CTB, one of the nation’s largest and most experienced educational assessment vendors. DRC | CTB serves the pre-K through adult education markets and is a leader in the field of online assessment. The DRC INSIGHTTM online testing system delivers online assessments in 41 states and U.S. territories, making it one of the most widely used testing platforms in the industry. For more information, visit www.tasctest.com and www.datarecognitioncorp.com.
About Anthem BlueCross BlueShield of Indiana
Anthem BlueCross BlueShield works with the state of Indiana to offer the Hoosier Healthwise (HHW) and Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) health insurance programs for 386,000 Medicaid beneficiaries. HHW serves low-income families, pregnant women and children up to age 19. HIP covers residents age 19 through 64 including low-income families. Anthem has administered benefits and services for HHW since 2007 and HIP since 2008.