Information on Medicaid in Indiana

Medicaid provides health insurance coverage for some Indiana residents with low incomes, allowing them to access needed health care services they might otherwise have to forgo. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration administers the Medicaid program in Indiana, which is funded by both state and federal dollars.

Programs

• There are several different Medicaid programs in Indiana. Different programs have different eligibility criteria and cover different things. For instance, Care Select provides assistance for people with certain medical conditions like asthma, heart disease, kidney disease and mental illness. Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities, or M.E.D. Works, provides coverage for people with disabilities who want to return to work but need to maintain their medical coverage. Hoosier Healthwise provides coverage for families, children and pregnant women. People must pay a small monthly premium for some programs.

Eligibility

• Not all people with low incomes qualify for Medicaid in Indiana. Children, parents with eligible children, pregnant women, elderly people and people with disabilities may qualify for one of the Medicaid programs if they meet income guidelines. The amount you can earn and still qualify depends on the size of your family. Some people must demonstrate that they have limited resources or assets as well as limited incomes.

Covered Services

• Medicaid in Indiana covers a variety of health-care services including visits to doctors, hospitalization, emergency room services, many medical tests and prescription drugs. Some programs also cover dental, vision and maternity care, while others do not. Ask your health-care providers or contact the Family and Social Services Administration to make sure services are covered by your Medicaid benefits. If you choose to receive services that Medicaid does not cover, you must pay the bills yourself.

Application Process

• Visit your local Family and Social Services Administration office to apply for Medicaid. (See link in Resources section for a list of addresses in each county.) You will need proof of all household income, proof of living expenses like rent and utility bills, bank account statements and information about any health-insurance coverage you have. You may need other documentation as well, like proof of pregnancy or disability.

Using Medicaid

• Not all health-care providers accept Medicaid in Indiana, so check with health-care providers before receiving services. If you receive services from providers who do not accept Medicaid, you will have to pay the bill yourself. Take your Medicaid card with you to all appointments to verify your coverage.