Maximum Earnings to Qualify for Indiana Medicaid

With health care costs continuing to rise, and insurance and other costs taking up more and more of people's incomes, planning for health expenses is becoming more and more crucial. One way most people avoid paying 100 percent of their medical bills is by purchasing health insurance. Not everyone, particularly the indigent, can afford insurance, though. If that is the case with you, you may qualify for government funded health insurance for little to no cost. One option in the state of Indiana is Medicaid. You may qualify based on your medical needs or income level.

Earnings Maximum

• According to the state of Indiana, the earnings maximum to be eligible for Medicaid in Indiana is $674 a month as of April 2010. If a person is married, the maximum income for the two people rises to $1,011 a month. If there are any dependents, the person or couple receives an additional $337 in income per month per dependent. There is an asset maximum, though. An individual on Medicaid cannot have assets worth more than $1,500; a couple cannot have assets worth more than $2,250.

Free Health Insurance

• If you meet the earnings and asset requirements and apply for the program, you will find yourself with Medicaid health insurance. The benefits allow you access to preventive care, coverage in the emergency room, prescription drugs, medical equipment and supplies, and a variety of services, not unlike a private insurer's benefits.

Drawbacks

• Although it is hard to find a drawback to free health insurance, there is one: You will not be able to make more than the maximum income allowed or you will be disqualified from Medicaid. You also may not be able to go see your favorite doctor if the doctor isn't part of the Medicaid network or coverage area.

Advice

• Nobody wants to be in a position to qualify for Medicaid. However, tough circumstances come with life, and whether it's because you lost a job or for some other reason, taking advantage of Medicaid when you're eligible is the right move. Still, if you're not about to retire, you probably want to earn more money and progress in your career; so while you work at your low-paying job, look for better jobs -- ones that will pay you at least what you are getting now, plus providing medical coverage. It doesn't make sense to switch to a job that pays just $100 more a month and doesn't provide health insurance.