How to Apply for Indiana Medicaid
Updated August 2026
FSSA accepts applications through several channels. Online through the FSSA Benefits Portal is fastest and allows you to track your application status and receive electronic notices.
HIP POWER account: understand your contribution before enrolling
If you enroll in HIP and your income is between 100% and 138% FPL, you will be expected to make monthly POWER account contributions to maintain HIP Plus coverage. Missing payments results in a move to HIP Basic, which has more limited benefits. Your contribution amount is calculated based on your income. Ask the enrollment broker or your health plan about your specific monthly amount before your first payment is due.
How to apply for Indiana Medicaid
- Online — FSSA Benefits Portal: Apply at fssabenefits.in.gov 24/7. Submit your application, upload documents, check your case status, and report changes all in one place.
- By phone — FSSA Member Services: Call 1-800-457-4584 for general member services. For plan selection help: HIP enrollment 877-438-4479, Hoosier Care Connect 866-963-7383, Hoosier Healthwise 800-889-9949, Indiana PathWays for Aging 877-284-9294.
- In person — Division of Family Resources: Walk into any Indiana Division of Family Resources (DFR) local office. DFR staff process applications and can help with complex situations including long-term care and disability-based applications. Find locations at in.gov/fssa.
- Via a navigator or assister: FSSA trains certified navigators across Indiana who can help with applications at no cost. Find a local navigator through the Indiana Department of Insurance navigator locator or call 800-457-4584.
What you need to apply
Indiana verifies identity, residency, income, and citizenship or immigration status. Gather the following before starting:
- Full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number for each applicant
- Proof of Indiana residency — utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or official mail at your current address
- Income documentation — recent pay stubs (30 days), employer letter, or tax return if self-employed
- Immigration documents for non-citizen applicants (green card, visa, I-94, work authorization)
- Current health insurance information for anyone already covered in the household
- For HIP: information about current employment status (HIP has a work requirements component under federal waiver approval)
How long Indiana Medicaid takes to process
Under federal rules (42 CFR 435.912), Indiana must decide most applications within 45 days. Disability-based applications can take up to 90 days because they require a medical determination in addition to financial eligibility review.
If approved, coverage generally begins on the first day of the month you applied. Pregnant women may qualify for retroactive coverage going back three months. FSSA will send you a letter — check your FSSA Benefits Portal account for electronic notices to avoid missing anything sent by mail.
After approval, new HIP members choose a health plan. If you do not choose a plan within the selection window, FSSA auto-assigns you. Call Maximus (Indiana's enrollment broker) at 877-438-4479 for HIP plan selection help.
Indiana Medicaid (Healthy Indiana Plan)
Visit the official Indiana Medicaid websiteRelated guides
How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →Approval Time
Federal processing deadlines and what affects your approval timeline.
Read more →