The 2026 income limits for Indiana generally allow adults to qualify if they earn up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
For a single person, the projected new monthly limit is roughly $1,835 starting March 1, 2026.
If you make less than this amount, you likely qualify for low-cost health coverage.
Quick Summary:
- Who Qualifies: Adults aged 19–64 living in Indiana who meet the general medicaid eligibility 2026 requirements.
- Income Cap: Most people qualify with income under 138% FPL.
- Key Date: Indiana adopts new higher limits on March 1, 2026.
- Program Name: Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP).
- Best Plan: HIP Plus offers dental and vision coverage.
- Denied? If you were denied in January, reapply in March.
What Is the Healthy Indiana Plan?
The Healthy Indiana Plan is Indiana’s Medicaid program for low-income adults. It covers people who do not qualify for other Medicaid programs.
The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) runs HIP.
You must be:
- An Indiana resident
- Age 19 to 64
- Not on Medicare
- Income at or below 138% FPL
HIP is run by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA).
Official site: https://www.in.gov/fssa/hip
2026 Monthly Income Limits
Indiana updates HIP limits when new federal poverty guidelines come out. The 2026 federal poverty baseline is $15,960 per year for one person.
The federal government updates these limits every January. Indiana uses them starting March 1, 2026, based on the latest Indiana Medicaid income limits 2026 guidelines.
Here are the monthly income limits for HIP:
| Household Size | Current Max (Jan-Feb 2026) | New Max (March 2026) | Annual Cap (138%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,800 | ~$1,835 | $22,025 |
| 2 People | $2,433 | ~$2,489 | $29,863 |
| 3 People | $3,065 | ~$3,142 | $37,702 |
| 4 People | $3,698 | ~$3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 People | $4,330 | ~$4,448 | $53,379 |
These numbers come from the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines released by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Important Eligibility Dates
Timing is very important for hip income limits.
- January 2026: Federal government releases new poverty data.
- January – February 2026: Indiana still uses old 2025 limits.
- March 1, 2026: Indiana updates their computer systems. The new, higher income limits officially start.
Expert Tip: If you apply in February and get denied for making $20 too much, wait until March. The limit goes up, and you might qualify then!
If FSSA denied your application in January or February because your income was slightly too high, apply again after March 1. The new limits may make you eligible.
Coverage Tiers: Plus vs Basic
HIP has two main benefit packages. Your income and payment status determine which one you get.
HIP Plus (Preferred Plan)
- Available to all eligible members who pay monthly contributions
- Includes dental and vision coverage
- No copays for most services (except $8 for non-emergency ER visits)
- More therapy visits allowed
HIP Basic (Fallback Plan)
- For members at or below 100% FPL who do not pay contributions
- No dental or vision coverage
- Must pay copays for each service ($4 or $8)
- $75 copay for hospital stays
| Feature | HIP Plus | HIP Basic |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | POWER Account contribution | $0 |
| Dental & Vision | Included | Not included |
| Copays | No copays (except ER) | Copays required |
| Income Level | Up to 138% FPL | Capped at 100% FPL |
How Indiana Counts Your Income
HIP uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which follows specific Indiana Medicaid eligibility rules for counting income and household size.
Income that counts:
- Wages and salary
- Self-employment income
- Unemployment benefits
- Social Security benefits (non-SSI)
Income that does not count:
- SSI payments
- Some veteran benefits
- Child support received
Household size includes:
- You
- Your spouse
- Your tax dependents
- Unmarried partners are separate unless you have shared children
What Happens if You Earn Too Much?
If your income is above the Medicaid income limits by state 2026 for Indiana (138% FPL), you cannot get HIP. For a single person, this means earning more than about $22,000 per year.
You still have options:
- Apply for subsidized insurance at HealthCare.gov
- Check if you qualify for employer coverage
- Look into community health centers with sliding fees
How to Apply for HIP
You can how to apply for Medicaid in three ways through Indiana’s system:
- Online: Visit fssabenefits.in.gov
- Phone: Call 1-800-403-0864
- In person: Go to your local DFR office
You will need:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Indiana ID or proof of address
- Social Security numbers for everyone in your household
- Immigration documents if needed
Most applications are processed within 45 to 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the income limit for HIP in 2026 for a single person?
For a single person, the projected monthly limit is about $1,835 starting March 1, 2026. This is based on 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. If you apply before March, the limit is slightly lower ($1,800).
2. When do the 2026 HIP income limits take effect?
The new limits typically start on March 1, 2026. Indiana needs time to update its systems after the federal government releases the new poverty guidelines in January. Until March, the state uses the previous year’s limits.
3. Does HIP check my gross or net income?
HIP uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). This is usually your gross income (before taxes) minus specific deductions. It is not your “take-home” pay. They look at your taxable income to decide if you qualify.
4. Can I get HIP if I make more than the limit?
No. If your income is over the 138% limit (about $22,025/year for one person), you cannot get HIP. You should check the Federal Marketplace instead. You might get subsidies to help pay for private health insurance.
5. Is dental covered under the 2026 HIP limits?
Yes, but only if you have HIP Plus. To get HIP Plus, you must make your monthly POWER Account contribution. If you fall back to HIP Basic because you didn’t pay, you lose dental and vision coverage.
6. What happens if my income changes during the year?
You must report changes immediately. If your income drops, your POWER Account payment might go down. If your income goes up over the limit, you might lose HIP coverage. Always keep your information updated with the Indiana FSSA.
Official Sources
For the most current information, visit these official websites:
- Indiana FSSA Healthy Indiana Plan: www.in.gov/fssa/hip
- HHS Poverty Guidelines: aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines
- Indiana Medicaid Eligibility Guide: www.in.gov/medicaid/members/apply-for-medicaid/eligibility-guide/
Last Updated: January, 2026
This article uses official data from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Income limits change yearly. Always check official sources before applying.
