Indiana Medicaid
Last verified: June 2026
Informational resource — not affiliated with Indiana
Federal changes to Indiana Medicaid are being implemented in 2025 and 2026
What is Indiana Medicaid?
Indiana Medicaid is administered by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) through its Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning. The program covers over 2 million Hoosiers — roughly 30% of Indiana's population. Indiana delivers Medicaid through several distinct programs depending on the applicant's age, income, and health status.
Indiana is an ACA Medicaid expansion state, but it expanded under a unique Section 1115 demonstration waiver called the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), not through standard expansion. HIP has been operating since 2008 in some form and received federal approval as the state's expansion vehicle in 2015. This matters because HIP includes program features no other expansion state uses: a health savings account component called POWER accounts, and two distinct coverage tiers called HIP Plus and HIP Basic.
All Indiana Medicaid coverage is delivered through managed care health plans. There is no fee-for-service option for standard Indiana Medicaid. Members choose a plan or are auto-assigned during enrollment.
Indiana's Medicaid programs at a glance
Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) — adults 19–64
Indiana's ACA expansion program for adults who are not disabled, pregnant, or elderly. Requires POWER account contributions for HIP Plus status. Income limit: 138% FPL. HIP is operated under a CMS-approved Section 1115 waiver, renewed through 2027.
Hoosier Healthwise — children and families
Medicaid and CHIP coverage for children under 19 and certain low-income families with children. Children are covered up to 250% FPL under Hoosier Healthwise, which includes both Medicaid and CHIP funding.
Hoosier Care Connect — aged, blind, and disabled
Managed care program for SSI recipients and individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. Not subject to HIP waiver rules. Includes long-term care coordination.
Indiana PathWays for Aging — seniors and LTSS
Launched in 2023, Indiana PathWays for Aging is Indiana's managed care program for Medicaid members who are 60 or older. It integrates acute care and long-term services and supports (LTSS) under a single managed care structure. Enrollment is mandatory for qualifying members.
HIP Plus and HIP Basic: Indiana's two-tier expansion
Indiana's HIP program splits adult expansion coverage into two tiers. HIP Plus provides full benefits, including dental and vision, in exchange for monthly POWER account contributions (similar to a health savings account). HIP Basic provides more limited benefits for members who do not make POWER account payments. Per CMS waiver approval terms, HIP Basic does not include dental or vision for most adult members.
POWER account contribution amounts are income-based — typically 2% of annual household income, with a monthly minimum and maximum. Members below 100% FPL are exempt from required contributions but can voluntarily contribute to access HIP Plus. Members between 100% and 138% FPL are required to contribute or default to HIP Basic.
This structure is unique among Medicaid expansion states. No other state currently operates a mandatory contribution requirement for Medicaid expansion coverage as a condition of enhanced benefits.
Indiana Medicaid managed care plans (2025–2026)
Indiana Medicaid uses multiple managed care entities (MCEs), with different plans available for different programs. Per FSSA's enrollment resources, the current MCEs operating in Indiana include:
- Anthem (operating as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield) — HIP, Hoosier Care Connect, Hoosier Healthwise
- CareSource Indiana — HIP, Hoosier Healthwise
- MHS (Meridian Health Services, formerly MDwise) — HIP, Hoosier Care Connect, Hoosier Healthwise
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan — HIP, Hoosier Care Connect
- Indiana PathWays for Aging uses a separate set of contracted managed care entities for seniors
Source: FSSA Indiana Medicaid member enrollment resources; Indiana Medicaid managed care entity contracts. Plan availability varies by county. Call 877-438-4479 (HIP), 866-963-7383 (Hoosier Care Connect), or 800-889-9949 (Hoosier Healthwise) to confirm plan options in your area.
Indiana Medicaid topics
How to apply
Income limits
Dental coverage
Seniors and long-term care
Medicaid renewal
CHIP
What does Indiana Medicaid (Healthy Indiana Plan) cover?
Medicaid covers a broad range of health services. Federal law mandates certain benefits — inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, lab work, X-rays, and nursing facility services, among others. States add optional services on top of those. Dental, vision, and long-term home care coverage vary by state.
The national benefits overview lists required and commonly optional services. Check the Indiana Medicaid (Healthy Indiana Plan) website for the current state-specific benefit package.
How to apply
Most people can apply online through Indiana's Medicaid portal, by phone, or in person at a local eligibility office. The how to apply page walks through each method, what documents you'll need, and what to expect during the review period.
Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most standard Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). Indiana must follow that federal timeline.