Where to Start: Indiana's Online and In-Person Routes

Indiana processes Medicaid applications through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), which runs the program called Medicaid (also called Hoosier Healthwise for children and working adults). You can apply online through the state portal, by mail, in person at a local FSSA office, or by phone. The online route is fastest — most people get a decision within 30 days when they apply that way.

The online application portal is at www.in.gov/fssa. You will create an account, enter your household income and size, and upload documents. If you do not have internet access or prefer to apply in person, you can visit your county's FSSA office during business hours. A staff member will help you fill out the form and collect documents on the spot. To find your local office, search "FSSA office near me" or call 1-800-889-9949.

Phone applications are also available through that same number, though wait times can be long. You will need to have your documents ready before you call — the worker will ask you questions and may request you mail or email copies afterward.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana's online application at www.in.gov/fssa is the fastest route and usually produces a decision within 30 days.
  • You will need proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and a photo ID or birth certificate.
  • Income limits vary by household size and which Medicaid category you fall into — parents, children, pregnant people, or disabled adults all have different thresholds.
  • If you are approved, coverage usually starts on the first day of the month after you are found to meet the rules, though emergency Medicaid can cover hospital visits immediately.
  • You must report changes in income, household size, or address within 30 days or risk losing coverage or being asked to repay benefits.

What Documents You Need Before You Apply

Gather these documents before you start your application. Having them ready will speed up the process and reduce the chance of delays. You do not need originals — copies or photos of documents work fine for the online application.

Proof of income: Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns from the past two years, a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and pay, or bank statements showing regular deposits. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and bank statements. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, or other benefits, bring the award letter or benefit statement.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Proof of identity: A driver's license, passport, state ID, or birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a school record or medical record.

Social Security numbers: For every person in your household. If you do not have a number, you can still apply, but the process takes longer.

Income Limits and Which Category You Fall Into

Indiana Medicaid has different income thresholds depending on who you are. These limits change each year, and they are based on the federal poverty level. The state groups people into categories: children, parents or caretakers, pregnant people, people over 65, and people with disabilities.

For example, in 2024, a parent or caretaker with one child could earn up to roughly 138% of the federal poverty level (about $2,000 per month for a household of two). A child under 19 can earn up to 211% of poverty. A pregnant person can earn up to 196% of poverty. These numbers shift annually, so the exact threshold when you apply may differ.

If you are over 65 or have a disability, different rules apply, and you may be able to earn more. If you are working and your income is slightly above the limit, you may still be found to meet the rules through deductions for work expenses or medical costs.

The FSSA website shows the current year's income limits by household size. When you start your application, the system will tell you whether your income falls within the range for your category.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application

Once you submit your application online, by mail, or in person, the FSSA sends you a notice within 30 days. This notice will say whether you are approved, denied, or need to provide more information. If you are approved, your coverage usually starts on the first day of the following month.

If the FSSA asks for more documents, you have 30 days to send them. You can upload them through your online account, email them, mail them, or bring them to your local office. If you miss the deadline, your application may be denied, but you can reapply.

If you are denied, the notice will explain why. Common reasons include income above the limit, not meeting residency rules, or not providing proof of citizenship or identity. You have the right to ask for a hearing to dispute the decision. The notice will explain how to request one.

Once you are approved, you will receive a Medicaid card in the mail within two weeks. You can use it at any doctor, hospital, or pharmacy that takes Medicaid. Some people are approved for emergency Medicaid only, which covers hospital stays and emergency room visits but not routine care — this usually means you did not meet all the rules for full coverage, but you have a medical emergency.

Reporting Changes and Keeping Your Coverage Active

You must tell the FSSA about changes in your life within 30 days. Changes include a new job, a raise or pay cut, someone moving into or out of your household, a change in address, or a change in your citizenship status. You can report changes online through your account, by phone at 1-800-889-9949, or in person at your local office.

If you do not report a change and the FSSA finds out later, you may be asked to repay benefits you received when you were no longer supposed to be covered. For example, if your income rose above the limit and you did not report it, you could owe money back.

Indiana also requires you to renew your Medicaid every 12 months. The FSSA will send you a renewal form in the mail. You must complete it and return it by the deadline or your coverage will end. You can renew online, by mail, or in person.

If You Are Denied or Your Coverage Ends

If your application is denied, the notice will list the reason. The most common reasons are income above the limit, not meeting residency rules, or not providing required documents. You can reapply at any time, and if your situation has changed, you may be approved the second time.

If your coverage ends because you did not renew or because your income changed, you can reapply immediately. There is no waiting period. However, if you were terminated for not reporting a change, you may need to provide proof that the situation has been corrected before you are approved again.

You also have the right to request a hearing if you disagree with a denial or termination. The notice you receive will explain how to ask for one. A hearing officer will review your case and make a new decision. You can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative to the hearing.

Special Situations: Emergency Medicaid and Presumptive may be able to access

Emergency Medicaid covers hospital stays, emergency room visits, and emergency surgery for people who do not yet meet the rules for full coverage. It is available to anyone in a medical emergency, regardless of income or immigration status. It covers only the emergency itself, not follow-up care or routine visits. If you are hospitalized and do not have insurance, ask the hospital to help you apply for emergency Medicaid.

Presumptive may be able to access is available for pregnant people and children. If you appear to meet the income and other rules based on what you tell the worker, you can receive coverage immediately while your full application is being processed. This means you do not have to wait 30 days. You will still need to provide documents within 30 days to keep the coverage active.

If you are in crisis or facing a medical emergency, do not wait for the full application process. Go to the emergency room or call 911. You can apply for Medicaid afterward, and emergency coverage can be backdated to cover the visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in Indiana?

Most online applications get a decision within 30 days. In-person and mail applications may take longer, sometimes 45 days. If you are pregnant or a child and appear to meet the rules, you may get presumptive coverage immediately while your application is being processed. Emergency Medicaid can cover a hospital visit the same day you go to the emergency room.

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and refugees can apply for regular Medicaid. Undocumented immigrants can receive emergency Medicaid for hospital stays and emergency surgery only. You will need to provide proof of your immigration status or a document showing you are applying for status. Ask the FSSA worker which documents they accept.

What if my income is just slightly above the limit?

You may still be found to meet the rules if you have work expenses, childcare costs, or medical expenses that reduce your countable income. Tell the worker about these costs when you apply. The FSSA will subtract them from your income to see if you fall below the limit. This is called the "income deduction" and it applies mainly to people who are working.

Do I have to pay anything for Medicaid in Indiana?

Medicaid itself is free. You do not pay a monthly premium. However, some people may have small copays when they visit the doctor or fill a prescription — usually $1 to $3. Pregnant people, children under 19, and people over 65 do not pay copays. If you cannot afford a copay, tell the provider and they may waive it.

What if I lose my job after I am approved?

You can keep your Medicaid coverage. You must report the job loss within 30 days, but losing income does not cause you to lose coverage — it actually makes you more likely to stay covered. You should report it so your file is up to date, but there is no penalty for losing a job.