How to Find the Best Health Insurance in Indiana

In a state that hosts the Indianapolis 500, referred to as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, good health insurance is a must. Luckily, it’s more than possible to find.

Whether you’re new to Indiana or looking to switch up your coverage, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for all the information you need for Indiana health insurance plans so you can decide exactly what you need to stay in peak health in The Hospitality State.

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Options for Health Insurance in Indiana

In Indiana, as in every state, you have options when it comes to your healthcare. You’re not required to use any certain plan, which allows you the flexibility to find coverage that works for your budget and health. Here are some of the main options available to you in the Hoosier State:

ACA Marketplace: This federally run exchange lets you access health care plans and find your own coverage, which is great for those who need to purchase private insurance or who are self employed. You can also find subsidies that help reduce your healthcare costs. In Indiana, there are currently five insurers that offer plans through the state exchange. Plans are broken up by metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum) plus a Catastrophic plan level that’s available to some people. These metal tiers help define how you and your insurer split costs.
- Keep in mind that you can only enroll in a plan or switch plans during open enrollment, which runs from November 1 to January 15.
- The exception to this is if you have a qualifying life event, like a marriage, birth, divorce, or lose access to your employer health insurance.
Medicare: This is federal health insurance for anyone over the age of 65 or for those who qualify earlier, such as those with end-stage renal disease or those with disabilities. You become eligible at age 65 and if you’re eligible for Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled. Over 1.3 million residents of Indiana were enrolled in Medicare as of 2022.
- Medicare is made up of four parts:
  - Part A: hospital insurance, skilled nursing facility, hospice, and in-home care.
  - Part B: Doctor’s visits, tests, preventative screenings, outpatient care, and medical equipment.
  - Part C: Medicare Advantage, which is private companies offering Medicare-approved Parts A, B and sometimes D. They also often offer dental and vision coverage as well. As of 2022, 44% of Indiana residents enrolled in Medicare had a Medicare Advantage plan.
  - Part D: Prescription drugs.
- Premiums for Part A are usually free if you’ve made Medicare contributions through your paid taxes for at least 10 years, but premiums for the other Medicare parts are required.
Medicaid: This is a joint federal and state program that helps subsidize healthcare costs for those with low incomes. In Indiana, Medicaid is referred to as the Healthy Indiana Plan. Medicaid enrollment lasts year-round.
- To be eligible for Medicaid in Indiana, you must meet one of the following criteria:
  - 208% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for children up to 1 year old
  - 158% of FPL for children 1 to 18 years old
  - 208% of FPL for pregnant women (the mother is covered for 12 months after the birth)
  - 138% of FPL for adults under age 65
Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance: Many employers offer healthcare plans that are partly or fully subsidized by the employer. In fact, any company with more than 50 employees is required to offer healthcare. These plans typically cover you and your dependents, and because the employer pays some or all of the premiums, they can be an affordable option for families.
Short-Term Health Insurance: These are plans with limited lengths of coverage. In Indiana, short-term plans can only last for 364 days for the initial term, and up to 36 months total including renewals. Benefits are capped at $2 million and the average monthly premium for short-term plans in Indiana was $283.80 in 2022. You don’t have to wait for open enrollment or a special enrollment period to purchase short-term health care.
- Note, short-term health plans don’t have to cover essential healthcare benefits, so they can have large gaps of coverage, including maternity care, prescription drugs, mental health care, and more. They also often have blanket exclusions for those with pre-existing conditions.
No matter your income or your health condition, you can find affordable healthcare in Indiana. Next, we’ll explore the average costs of healthcare in the Hoosier State, so you can get a sense of what you should expect to pay.

The Average Health Insurance Cost in Indiana

Your healthcare costs will depend on a number of factors, including the number of dependents, your coverage, and more. But we’ve crunched the numbers to give you a rough idea of the average health insurance cost in Indiana:

Individuals pay $679 per month on average
A couple pays $849 per month on average
A family of four with two children pays $1,357 per month on average

The lower your metal tier, the lower your costs. Here are average costs by metal tier, based on a 40-year-old individual:

Gold averages $571 per month
Silver averages $425 per month
Bronze averages $384 per month

And of course, Medicaid will significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs, if you’re eligible. So will employer-sponsored healthcare, since the employer pays for some or all of your monthly premiums. It’s no secret that health insurance in the U.S. can be a large expense for both individuals and families. But there are ways to find savings, which we’ll explore next.

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How to Find Low Cost Health Insurance in Indiana

You can’t always control your healthcare costs, but there are steps you can take to save on your out-of-pocket costs whenever possible, to keep your expenses manageable. Here are some of the best ways to find the most affordable health insurance Indiana has to offer:

Stay in Network: Insurers negotiate rates and costs with doctors and pharmacies, so staying in network helps you take advantage of those savings. By going out of network, you could be on the hook for the full cost. Be sure to check your network of doctors, pharmacies, healthcare professionals and clinics before going.
Choose Generic: When it comes to prescription drugs, ask for generic options rather than brand names whenever possible as they contain the same active ingredients as the brand-name versions, but are a fraction of the cost.
Seek Preventative Care: Many plans offer preventative screenings, tests, and immunizations. Taking advantage of these can help prevent costly health issues down the line.
Prioritize Your Health: In the same vein, taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to keep your healthcare costs down. By prioritizing healthy foods, sleep, exercise and reducing stress, you’ll save yourself money and enjoy a higher quality of living.
Review Your Coverage: Open enrollment happens every year, but too many Indianians set their coverage and forget it. By reviewing your plan annually, you can ensure the costs and coverage are working for you, and if not, update it.

You’re in charge of your health and healthcare costs. Healthcare can be complex and overwhelming, but when it comes to something as critical as your health, it’s worth the extra time and care to find the coverage that works for your budget and your wellness.

Find more tips to save on health insurance costs here.

The Top Health Insurance Companies in Indiana

As of 2023, there are five insurance providers offering coverage through the exchange. These include:

Anthem
Caresource
Celtic/MHS/Ambetter
US Health and Life
Cigna

Plan availability can vary from county to county, so be sure to explore your options on the marketplace.

When it comes to your health, time is often of the essence. If you’re in a hurry to find health insurance, go ahead and get free access to health insurance quotes here.

How to Apply for Health Insurance in Indiana

Now that you have a better idea of your healthcare options in the great state of Indiana, it’s time to determine your next steps. Having coverage when you need it is critical, so here’s how to apply for health insurance in Indiana:

Marketplace plans: You can sign up during open enrollment (November 1-January 15) or because of a qualifying life event at any time. Here’s where you can review plans and enroll in coverage:
- HealthCare.gov
- 800-318-2596
Medicare: If you’re eligible for Social Security at age 65, you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare. For those not yet receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you can apply for Medicare in Indiana through the Social Security Administration.
- The Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) website also has information on eligibility, enrollment, and other Medicare information.
- The Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program offers free assistance for Medicare beneficiaries. You can call their central office at 1-800-452-4800 or find a local office.
Medicaid: If you believe you’re eligible for Medicaid, here’s how you can apply:
- Apply online through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration or at HealthCare.gov.
- Apply over the phone through 1-800-403-0864.
- Apply in person at a Division of Family Resources office.
Short-Term Health Insurance: You can purchase short-term health insurance any time of the year through an insurance agent or directly from private insurance providers.

Always be sure to review plans carefully before enrolling or purchasing so that you know exactly what you’re covered for and what coverage costs. When you’re ill, the last thing you want to deal with is figuring out your health insurance, so understanding the ins and outs of your plan ahead of time will save you headaches down the line.

Tip: if you’re new to the U.S., healthcare is likely a top priority. But you’ve got plenty on your plate and we want to help. Get access to our free New Immigrants Handbook here for more helpful tips on settling in Indiana and the U.S.

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Indiana Health Insurance Plans: Key Takeaways

Healthcare in Indiana can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Now that you know your options and rough costs for healthcare coverage, you’re in a great position to take control over your health and your wallet.

Get started by accessing free quotes fast here and you’ll be well on your way to finding a plan that works for you. We’ve got you covered.