Indiana Medicaid Income Limits 2026: HIP Chart

Medicaid isn't a grant, and applying is free. For how Indiana compares with other states, see our national Medicaid income limits guide.

Indiana Medicaid Income Limits by Household Size (March 1, 2026)

Indiana publishes 4 income charts for its main groups. According to the Indiana Medicaid eligibility guide, effective March 1, 2026, a family of three can have up to $3,141.85 a month for HIP adults, $5,805.85 for children and $4,849.85 for a pregnant woman. These are monthly gross income, before taxes, and they already include the 5% disregard.

Source: Indiana Medicaid, Eligibility Guide (opens in a new tab), standards effective March 1, 2026, for household sizes 1 to 5. Percentages are Grantsights' reading of the dollar figures against the 2026 HHS guidelines: 133% plus the 5% disregard for adults, 250% plus 5% for children and 208% plus 5% for pregnancy.

\ A pregnant woman is always a household of at least two, because the unborn child counts.*

\\ Indiana's chart shows $3,233.33 for five people. 100% of the 2026 HHS guideline for five is $3,223.33 a month, so the published figure looks $10 high; ask DFR which one it applies.

\\\ Indiana's chart stops at five people. Grantsights calculated rows 6 to 8 using the same method that reproduces Indiana's published figures (the percentage of the monthly guideline rounded up, plus 5% of the guideline). The add-on row is approximate. DFR's own determination is the one that counts.*

HIP limits by year, from FSSA

FSSA's HIP page states the 2026 annual figures: $22,026 for one person, $29,870.40 for a couple and $45,546 for a family of four. Those match the monthly chart times 12.

Nursing home and long-term care

According to the Indiana Medicaid eligibility guide, a person with a disability who lives in an institution or qualifies for home- and community-based waiver services can have income up to $2,982 a month, counting only their own income. That's 300% of the 2026 SSI rate of $994. Depending on income, the person may owe a monthly patient or waiver liability. SSA's rate rises to $1,029 on January 1, 2027, which would put 300% at $3,087 (Grantsights calculation; Indiana hadn't posted a 2027 figure when we checked).

Inside the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)

HIP covers about 460,000 Hoosiers, according to the governor's October 8, 2026 letter submitting Indiana's HIP 3.0 waiver. It's Indiana's version of Medicaid expansion for adults 19 to 64 who aren't pregnant, disabled or on Medicare. Members pick a health plan: Anthem, CareSource or MHS (MDwise left after December 31, 2025).

POWER accounts and contributions: what Indiana's own pages say

This is the most confusing part of HIP right now, because 3 official Indiana sources say different things:

FSSA's contribution table, if it applies to you, runs from $1 a month for a single person under 22% of poverty to $20 a month at 101% to 138%. Spouses each pay half, and the tobacco surcharge adds 50%.

The safe approach: if you get a POWER account invoice, pay it, because paying keeps you in HIP Plus (with dental and vision). Then ask your health plan or call 877-GET-HIP9 (877-438-4479) what happens if you can't pay. Don't let an invoice you can't afford stop you from applying.

What Indiana wants to change: HIP 3.0

Indiana submitted HIP 3.0 to the federal government in October 2026. It isn't approved yet. If CMS approves it as written:

• POWER accounts, HIP Plus and HIP Basic would end, replaced by copays at the time of service, such as $4 for a preferred drug, $15 for an outpatient visit and $35 for non-emergency use of the ER.
• Members who complete 3 healthy behaviors (such as a wellness exam or cancer screening) would get reduced copays, usually $5.
• Total cost sharing would be capped at 5% of income per quarter.
• Indiana asks to start HIP 3.0 on October 1, 2027, and to start copays sooner, as soon as practicable, under Senate Enrolled Act 1, which took effect July 1, 2026.
• Indiana also asks for recognition that HIP runs only while state funding is available, and that it could limit enrollment or end expansion coverage if funding falls short.

How Indiana Counts Your Income

Indiana uses 2 income systems. HIP, Hoosier Healthwise and pregnancy coverage use modified adjusted gross income (MAGI): wages, self-employment profit, unemployment, Social Security and most taxable income count, while child support received, SSI and veterans' disability benefits don't. Your household is your tax household. If you don't file taxes, Indiana's guide says it's you, your children, their parents and their siblings who live with you (and a spouse, for pregnancy).

The 5% disregard under federal rule 42 CFR 435.603 (opens in a new tab) is already built into Indiana's chart. That's why the HIP limit is $1,835.50 rather than the $1,769 that 133% alone would give.

For example, a family of three in Indiana earning $3,100 a month gross (a parent and two kids) is specifically $41.85 under the $3,141.85 HIP limit, so the parent can qualify for HIP. The kids are $2,705.85 under the $5,805.85 children's limit.

Aged, blind and disabled coverage (Traditional Medicaid, Hoosier Care Connect, or Indiana PathWays for Aging for people 60 and older) uses SSI-style rules with both an income and an asset test. Per the eligibility guide, disability must meet the Social Security Administration's definition.

Indiana Medicaid Asset Limits

The asset test is $2,000 for a single person or $3,000 for a married person, and it applies to aged, blind and disabled coverage, including nursing home care. Indiana's guide counts bank balances, cash, stocks, bonds and property other than your home. It doesn't count one vehicle, the home you live in, or burial spaces.

HIP, Hoosier Healthwise and pregnancy coverage have no asset test. A family with savings can still qualify on income alone.

Expansion vs Non-Expansion: Where Indiana Stands

Indiana covers expansion adults up to 138% of poverty, but through HIP rather than standard Medicaid. Per the HIP 3.0 application, Indiana law (Senate Enrolled Act 2 of 2025) allows expansion only through HIP, ties enrollment to state appropriations and conditions the program on its funding sources. Its traditional parent and caretaker group is very low; the Medicaid.gov eligibility levels table (opens in a new tab) (as of December 1, 2023) lists it at about 15% of poverty, so most parents qualify through HIP instead. In a non-expansion state such as Texas, most adults without children can't get Medicaid at any income; see our Texas Medicaid income limits guide.

HIP work requirements start January 1, 2027

According to FSSA's HIP work requirements page, adults 19 to 64 on HIP who aren't pregnant and aren't on Medicare must do one of these:

• 80 hours a month of work, volunteering, a work program, an apprenticeship, or school at least half time (activities can be combined), or
• $580 a month in income, which is 80 hours at the $7.25 federal minimum wage.

Who's exempt for a month: parents or caregivers of a child 13 or younger, caregivers of a person with a disability, people who are pregnant or within 12 months after pregnancy, people who are medically frail (including blindness, disability, substance use disorder or serious mental illness), former foster youth under 26, tribal members, veterans with a 100% disability rating, people following SNAP or TANF work rules, people in drug or alcohol treatment, and people released from jail or prison in the last 90 days.

Timing: FSSA says the state checks every 3 months. New applicants in January 2027 must show they met the rule in October, November and December 2026. Notices started going out July 1, 2026. FSSA's pre-screening tool (opens in a new tab) shows whether you're likely exempt.

What FSSA Doesn't Tell You About HIP Income Limits

Grantsights found 5 gaps in Indiana's published charts:

1. The POWER account rules conflict. Three state sources (shown above) describe contributions three different ways. Don't assume you'll be dropped for nonpayment, and don't assume you won't; ask.
2. Your kids can qualify when you don't. Grantsights analysis of Indiana's March 2026 chart found the gap between the children's limit and the HIP adult limit is $3,217 a month for a family of four ($7,012.50 vs $3,795.50). Parents who are over HIP often underestimate this and never apply for their children. Kids above the Medicaid level go into CHIP, which can carry a monthly premium.
3. The chart stops at 5 people, and its five-person disabled figure doesn't match the federal guideline.
4. No percentages are shown. The Medicaid.gov table lists Indiana's children at 158% for Medicaid and 250% for CHIP, and pregnancy at 208%, without the 5% disregard. Indiana's dollars include it. Both are right; they're measuring different things.
5. Processing can be slower than the headline. The apply page says it can take up to 90 days to decide once your application is complete.

Common Mistakes and Red Flags

• Using take-home pay. Indiana's limits are before taxes.
• Counting the wrong household. A common mistake is leaving out an unborn child or counting a roommate who isn't in your tax household.
• Assuming last year's limits. The four-person HIP limit rose on March 1, 2026.
• Ignoring work requirement mail. Starting in 2027, missing a request for proof of hours or an exemption is the fastest way to lose HIP.
• Paying anyone to apply. Applying is free, and certified navigators help at no cost. A red flag is any site or caller asking for a fee, a gift card or your bank login to file an application. POWER account payments go only to your HIP health plan.

How to Apply for Indiana Medicaid and How Long It Takes

Indiana's apply page says a decision can take up to 90 days once your application is complete, and FSSA's HIP enrollment page says HIP applications are processed within 45 business days after all required information is received.

1. Online: the FSSA Benefits Portal (opens in a new tab). Choose Apply Online for Health Coverage.
2. By phone: the Division of Family Resources at 1-800-403-0864, or 877-GET-HIP9 for HIP questions.
3. In person: at your local DFR office (opens in a new tab).
4. Pregnant? Ask a qualified provider about presumptive eligibility so you can get care while you wait.

Have pay stubs or a tax return, Social Security numbers and ID ready. If you also need food help, our Indiana food stamps guide covers SNAP, which uses different limits.

What to Do If You're Denied

Indiana gives you 33 calendar days to appeal an eligibility decision: the later of 33 days after the action takes effect or 33 days from the notice date, under 405 IAC 1.1-1-3 (opens in a new tab) (Cornell LII copy). Follow the instructions on your DFR notice. For a health plan's decision about care, appeal to the plan first, as Indiana Medicaid's member appeals page (opens in a new tab) explains. Filing an appeal is free.

Check the household size and income DFR used. Errors in either are fixable, and your best bet is to appeal quickly rather than reapply and lose months.

If You're Over the Indiana Medicaid Limit

Being over by a small amount isn't the end of the road, and it's worth it to check these:

• Children and pregnancy: a household over HIP may still have kids (up to 255%) or a pregnant member (up to 213%) who qualify.
• Medicare Savings Program: Indiana Medicaid runs programs that help people with Medicare pay premiums.
• Marketplace coverage: adults over 138% can check HealthCare.gov's savings page (opens in a new tab) for premium tax credits. Losing Medicaid opens a special enrollment period.
• WIC uses 185% of poverty: see our WIC income limits guide.
• Seniors and people with disabilities: our SSI income limits guide and help for seniors programs guide.
• Poverty guidelines and food help: our federal poverty guidelines guide and SNAP income limits guide.

If you're dealing with more than medical bills, Grantsights' free eligibility checker can point you to official programs for rent, utilities and other needs. It doesn't decide Medicaid eligibility and doesn't file anything; it shows you where to apply.

FAQ: Indiana Medicaid Income Limits

What is the income limit for Indiana Medicaid in 2026?

$1,835.50 a month for one adult on HIP, from March 1, 2026.

What is the HIP income limit for a family of 4?

$3,795.50 a month, or $45,546 a year.

Do I have to pay a POWER account contribution for HIP?

Indiana's pages conflict; pay any invoice you get and ask your plan about nonpayment.

What is the Indiana Medicaid income limit for pregnant women?

$3,841.20 a month for two, $4,849.85 for three.

What are the Indiana Medicaid limits for seniors and people with disabilities?

$1,330 a month for one person, with a $2,000 asset limit.

Does Indiana have Medicaid work requirements?

Yes, for HIP adults from January 1, 2027: 80 hours or $580 a month unless exempt.

How long do I have to appeal an Indiana Medicaid denial?

33 calendar days, counted from the later of the notice date or the action's effective date.

When do Indiana Medicaid income limits change?

Each March 1; SSI-based limits change in January.

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Sources

1. Indiana Medicaid: Eligibility Guide (opens in a new tab), standards effective March 1, 2026 - income charts, asset limits, $2,982 institutional limit, 2% HIP Plus contribution statement
2. FSSA: Healthy Indiana Plan (opens in a new tab) - 2026 annual HIP limits
3. FSSA: What are POWER Accounts? (opens in a new tab) - contribution table, HIP Plus and HIP Basic
4. FSSA: Information for HIP Members (work requirements) (opens in a new tab) - January 1, 2027 start, 80 hours or $580, exemptions, lookback
5. FSSA: How to Enroll in HIP (opens in a new tab) - 45 business days, health plans, MDwise exit
6. Indiana HIP 3.0 Section 1115 Waiver Application (opens in a new tab), October 2026, and FSSA public notice (opens in a new tab), August 5, 2026
7. Indiana Medicaid: Apply for Coverage (opens in a new tab) - portal, DFR phone, up to 90 days
8. Indiana Medicaid: Member Appeals (opens in a new tab) and 405 IAC 1.1-1-3 (Cornell LII, a non-government copy) (opens in a new tab)
9. HHS ASPE: 2026 Poverty Guidelines (opens in a new tab)
10. Federal Register: Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2027 (opens in a new tab), October 26, 2026 - 2026 and 2027 SSI rates
11. Medicaid.gov: Medicaid, CHIP and BHP Eligibility Levels (opens in a new tab), as of December 1, 2023
12. eCFR: 42 CFR 435.603 (MAGI and the 5% disregard) (opens in a new tab)
13. HealthCare.gov: Lower costs on Marketplace coverage (opens in a new tab)