Indiana Medicaid Eligibility and Enrollment

Indiana Medicaid is a set of programs designed to ensure that all residents of the state have adequate access to health care. Eligible Indiana residents are able to obtain free or low-cost health care to cover immediate medical needs or long-term care. 

The federal government established the Medicaid program and sets broad guidelines. However, Medicaid in Indiana is managed by state agencies, and the state determines eligibility for these benefits. 

Available Indiana Medicaid Programs

Indiana Medicaid includes several programs, each designed to address particular needs. Medicaid programs may be free or low-cost depending on the program and the needs of the applicant. Indiana's primary Medicare programs are listed below.

• The Healthy Indiana Plan provides health insurance to low-income adults.
• Hoosier Care Connect provides health care to older adults and blind or disabled individuals.
• Hoosier Healthwise provides medical care to qualifying children and pregnant women and includes the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
  
  
• The Traditional Medicaid program provides benefits to qualifying individuals in long-term care facilities and those eligible for community-based services.

All four of these programs include coverage for basic health care services such as hospital care, doctor appointments, medications and lab services. Coverage may also be available for dental and vision care, substance abuse treatment and mental health services. Some programs also include assistance with hospice care, nursing facility care and non-emergency transportation. 

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in Indiana? 

Indiana residents who are in need of health care assistance due to low income may be eligible for Medicaid. Indiana focuses on providing benefits to the following vulnerable groups:

• Children
• Pregnant women 
• Low-income adults
• Older adults
• Blind and disabled individuals 
• People in need of long-term or institutionalized care 

Only U.S. nationals, citizens, permanent residents and legal residents are eligible for Indiana Medicaid.

What Is the Income Limit for Medicaid in Indiana? 

Individual adults with annual incomes of up to $20,121 may qualify for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). Income limits are higher for families. For example, a family of four may have an annual income of $41,400.  Assets may be taken into consideration when determining adult eligibility. 

Single pregnant women may make up to $3,501 per month to qualify for the Hoosier Healthwise program, and the limit will be higher for larger families. Children from low-income families may be eligible for free health care through the Hoosier Healthwise program. Additionally, the CHIP program provides benefits to children and has higher income limits, but families are required to pay a small premium for this plan. 

Individuals with disabilities or those receiving institutionalized care may have different income limits and are subject to an asset limit. Indiana offers an online screening tool to help residents determine their eligibility. 

How Do I Enroll in Medicaid in Indiana? 

To enroll in an Indiana Medicaid program, you must submit an Indiana Application for Health Coverage. You may do this online, by telephone by calling 1-800-403-0864 or in person at a local Division of Family Resources Office. 

An application will need to include: 

• Names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers for members of your household 
• Income from jobs
• Benefits you receive 
• Tax information 
• Information about any health insurance currently available to you or your family 
• Information about assets if applicable
• Proof of immigration status and state residency

Applications take up to 90 days to process, although many do not take that long. Pregnant women may be eligible to receive medical care while their application is pending. 

Contact Information for Indiana Medicaid

To apply for Medicaid by phone or check on the status of an application, call 1-800-403-0864. Medicaid application questions may also be directed to the Division of Family Resources office for your county. 

Questions may also be directed to the Family and Social Services Administration office through their online form.  Existing enrollees should direct questions to the appropriate office for the applicable program and health plan. A directory can be found on the Indiana Medicaid website.