Last Updated: January 9, 2026 — Indiana Medicaid income limits are currently in a transition period. Limits for Aged, Blind, and Disabled members increased on January 1, 2026, following the federal 2.8% COLA adjustment.
However, limits for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), children, and pregnant women still use the 2025 Federal Poverty Levels and will be updated in March 2026.
Adults ages 19-64 qualify for coverage under the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) with incomes up to 138% FPL — that’s about $21,603 per year for one person or $44,376 for a family of four (current limits valid through March 2026).
You can instantly check your eligibility and estimated monthly POWER account contribution using our Medicaid income calculator for 2026 or apply directly through Indiana’s official FSSA Benefits Portal.
🆕 What’s New in 2026
Effective January 1, 2026:
- Aged, Blind & Disabled income limits increased by 2.8% following federal COLA
- Individual SSI-linked limit rose from $967/month to $994/month
- Waiver/Nursing Home cap increased from $2,901/month to $2,982/month
- Asset limits remain unchanged at $2,000 for individuals
Coming in March 2026:
- HIP and children’s limits will increase 2-3% when Indiana adopts the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Current 2025-based limits remain valid for early 2026 applications
Indiana Medicaid in Context
The Medicaid of Indiana is special due to its Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). With HIP, as compared to the traditional Medicaid programs, most members are required to make small monthly payments to a Personal Wellness and Responsibility (POWER) account.
This is similar to a health savings account, whereby preventative health and cost-consciousness are promoted. Indiana’s approach differs significantly from other states’ programs — see how Medicaid income limits vary across all 50 states in 2026 to understand these differences.
Members contributing to their POWER account generally receive HIP Plus, which has additional services such as vision and dental insurance. When there is a missed contribution, the coverage will change to HIP Basic, which has limited benefits and increased point-of-service expenses.
This multi-tier system allows the system in Indiana to be different from the rest of the states, where the benefits are equal.
HIP Maternity covers pregnant women who are enrolled in the program and eliminates the premiums and provides the full benefits during pregnancy and up to one year after birth. Children are eligible via Hoosier Healthwise, which has increased income eligibility.
Hoosier Care Connect is known by seniors and individuals with disabilities and has other rules that apply to the coverage, such as additional income and asset rules.
🩺 Indiana Medicaid Income Limits 2026
1. Adults (Ages 19–64) — Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)
Current limits are valid until March 2026
| Household Size | HIP Basic (Approx. 100% FPL) | HIP Plus (Up to 138% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,305.00 | $1,800.25 |
| 2 persons | $1,763.00 | $2,433.15 |
| 3 persons | $2,221.00 | $3,065.05 |
| 4 persons | $2,680.00 | $3,698.00 |
| 5 persons | $3,138.00 | $4,329.90 |
| 6 persons | $3,596.00 | $4,962.80 |
| 7 persons | $4,055.00 | $5,595.75 |
| 8 persons | $4,513.00 | $6,227.65 |
| Each Additional | +$448.00 | +$618.40 |
Annual Limits: $21,603 for one person | $44,376 for family of four
- HIP Plus provides full benefits (including dental and vision) and requires small POWER account payments.
- HIP Basic offers limited benefits and higher copays if monthly contributions are missed.
- Note: These limits will increase slightly (2-3%) in March 2026 when new FPL guidelines are adopted.
2. Pregnant Women — HIP Maternity / Hoosier Healthwise
Current limits valid until March 2026
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (Up to 138% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | $3,754.00 |
| 3 persons | $4,731.00 |
| 4 persons | $5,707.00 |
| 5 persons | $6,683.00 |
| 6 persons | $7,659.00 |
| 7 persons | $8,635.00 |
| 8 persons | $9,611.00 |
| Each Additional | +$976.00 |
Pregnant members receive full benefits and no premiums during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.
3. Children — Hoosier Healthwise
Current limits valid until March 2026
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (Approx. 255% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $3,326.00 |
| 2 persons | $4,495.00 |
| 3 persons | $5,664.00 |
| 4 persons | $6,832.00 |
| 5 persons | $8,001.00 |
| 6 persons | $9,170.00 |
| 7 persons | $10,339.00 |
| 8 persons | $11,508.00 |
| Each Additional | +$1,169.00 |
Children qualify for Medicaid or CHIP coverage with no or low premiums depending on income level. Higher income families (up to approximately $82,000 for a family of four at 250% FPL) may qualify for CHIP.
4. Aged, Blind, or Disabled (Traditional Medicaid / Hoosier Care Connect)
✅ Updated January 1, 2026 (New Limits in Effect)
| Category | 2025 Limit | 2026 Limit (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Income Limit (SSI-Linked) | $967/month | $994/month |
| Couple Income Limit | $1,450/month | $1,491/month |
| Waiver / Nursing Home Cap (300%) | $2,901/month | $2,982/month |
| Asset Limit (Individual) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Asset Limit (Couple) | $3,000 | $3,000 |
Traditional Medicaid by Household Size:
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $994.00 |
| 2 persons | $1,491.00 |
| 3 persons | $2,221.00 |
| 4 persons | $2,680.00 |
| 5 persons | $3,138.00 |
| 6 persons | $3,596.00 |
| 7 persons | $4,055.00 |
| 8 persons | $4,513.00 |
| Each Additional | +$458.00 |
Seniors and individuals with disabilities must also meet asset limits and other eligibility requirements. These limits increased by 2.8% on January 1, 2026, following the federal Cost-of-Living Adjustment.
💡 2026 Summary
- Adults (HIP): Up to 138% FPL (≈ $1,800/month for one person, $3,698/month for family of four) — will increase in March 2026
- Pregnant Women: Up to 138% FPL, full coverage, no premiums — will increase in March 2026
- Children: Up to 255% FPL, often free or low-cost via Hoosier Healthwise — will increase in March 2026
- Aged/Blind/Disabled: New limits effective January 1, 2026 — $994/month individual, $2,982 waiver cap
Source: HHS 2025 Poverty Guidelines (2026 guidelines expected in March)
Who is Eligible to Receive Indiana Medicaid?
Adults 19-64 (HIP): Covered to 138% FPL, with POWER account and HIP Plus/Basic benefit levels.
Pregnant Women (HIP Maternity): Covered up to 138% FPL with 100% benefits and no premiums.
Children: Covered under Hoosier Healthwise at higher income levels compared to adults.
Seniors and Disabled: Hoosier Care Connect applies income and asset tests with updated 2026 limits.
To learn more about the complete eligibility requirements and what factors affect your application, review our comprehensive guide on Medicaid eligibility requirements for 2026.
How to Apply for Indiana Medicaid (2026)
- Apply at the FSSA Benefits Portal
- Take the screening tool to find out whether you are qualified
- Submit required documents:
- Evidence of income (pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns)
- Document showing residence (Indiana ID, lease agreement, utility bill)
- Social Security number of every member of the household
- Immigration papers (where necessary)
- Choose a managed care plan in case of HIP
- Renewals should be re-established every year
Alternatives if You Don’t Qualify
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program): Provides coverage for children over Medicaid eligibility at low or no cost.
Marketplace Plans: Sometimes subsidized plans can be purchased on HealthCare.gov as low as $20/month.
Community Health Centers: Provide services on a sliding scale if you fall into a coverage gap.
Medically Needy Spend-Down Program: Offered to individuals who have high medical costs but surpass income limits.
FAQs
Q1: What is the 2026 income limit for adults covered by HIP?
Adults are eligible through 138% FPL, which is approximately $21,603 per year for a single person (current limit, will increase in March 2026).
Q2: What is the difference between HIP Plus and HIP Basic?
HIP Plus has dental and vision with reduced copays, whereas HIP Basic has benefits that are leaner and increased cost sharing.
Q3: Do pregnant women have to contribute to POWER accounts?
No. HIP Maternity has no premiums or copays at all.
Q4: Can children qualify even if their parents don’t?
Yes. Children’s eligibility is at an increased level of income using Hoosier Healthwise.
Q5: What will occur when I fail to pay my POWER account contribution?
You can be transferred from HIP Plus to HIP Basic, which has fewer benefits.
Q6: Where do I check my eligibility or apply?
Complete the application or check status using the FSSA Benefits Portal.
Q7: When will the 2026 Federal Poverty Level updates take effect?
Indiana typically adopts new FPL guidelines in March. Expect HIP and children’s income limits to increase by 2-3% at that time.
Q8: Are the new Aged, Blind & Disabled limits already in effect?
Yes. The 2.8% COLA increase went into effect on January 1, 2026, raising individual limits to $994/month and waiver caps to $2,982/month.
Conclusion
Medicaid in Indiana in 2026 continues to represent a unique expansion strategy through the Healthy Indiana Plan. With recent COLA increases for seniors and disabled individuals now in effect, and upcoming adjustments for HIP and families expected in March 2026, Indiana maintains its distinctive approach with HIP Plus/Basic levels, POWER accounts, and special programs like HIP Maternity and Hoosier Healthwise.
You may apply online at the FSSA Benefits Portal should you believe that you qualify. If you don’t qualify, programs such as CHIP, marketplace subsidies, and community health centers can also serve to bridge the gap.
Stay Updated: Check back in March 2026 for updated HIP and children’s income limits based on the new Federal Poverty Guidelines.
