Checking Indiana Medicaid income limits can feel confusing when different family members qualify under different rules. An adult applying for the Healthy Indiana Plan faces a different income ceiling than a pregnant applicant or a child. Savings may also matter for certain disability and long-term care pathways.
This guide explains which figures to review, how household size affects the comparison, and where to apply. Before ruling out coverage based on your paycheck alone, identify the category that fits each applicant and check the state’s current requirements.
1. Indiana Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Which Limit Applies to You?
The Indiana Medicaid income limits you should check depend on age, pregnancy, disability, and coverage category.
Adults Ages 19–64 Under the Healthy Indiana Plan
HIP generally covers eligible adults ages 19–64 who are not eligible for Medicare. Indiana lists these monthly screening limits effective March 1, 2026:
| Household size | HIP monthly limit |
| 1 | $1,835.50 |
| 2 | $2,489.20 |
| 3 | $3,141.85 |
| 4 | $3,795.50 |
These are pre-tax screening figures; the state applies its income-counting rules before deciding eligibility.
Pregnant Applicants
Pregnancy coverage uses higher limits. Beginning March 1, 2026, the listed monthly income ceilings are $3,841.20 for a two-person household, $4,849.85 for three members, and $5,857.50 for four members.
Unborn children count toward the pregnant applicant’s family size, so someone expecting one baby generally starts with a household of at least two.
Children: Medicaid Package A vs CHIP Package C
Do not treat the highest children’s threshold as the Package A Medicaid limit.
| Coverage | Effective income ceiling for screening |
| Package A Medicaid: infants under 1 | Generally 213% FPL |
| Package A Medicaid: ages 1–18 | Generally 163% FPL |
| Package C CHIP: eligible children under 19 | Generally 255% FPL |
Indiana offers different income thresholds for children depending on their age and coverage program.
- Package A provides full Medicaid benefits for eligible children. Infants under age 1 generally have a higher income threshold than children ages 1–18.
- Package C is Indiana’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for eligible children in families with higher incomes. Its ordinary income threshold is 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, with an effective screening ceiling of approximately 255% after the applicable MAGI disregard.
- Package C eligibility also depends on other program rules, including health insurance circumstances.
These percentages are screening guidelines. The state determines eligibility using the child’s household composition, countable income, and applicable program requirements.
Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors and Applicants with Blindness or Disabilities
For standard non-MAGI coverage, Indiana lists $1,330 monthly for one person and $1,803.33 for two. Countable-resource limits generally start at $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple, subject to exceptions.
Certain institutional or HCBS waiver applicants have a separate $2,982 individual monthly income limit in 2026. Spousal protections, resource rules, and care requirements need separate review.
2. How Income and Family Members Affect Your Indiana Medicaid Assessment?
Comparing a paycheck with Indiana Medicaid income limits is only useful when the income calculation and household size are correct.
MAGI Income and Household Rules
Indiana uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for HIP, pregnancy-related Medicaid, and most children’s coverage.
For wages, income before taxes is a useful starting point, but MAGI isn’t necessarily identical to gross pay. Certain deductions and income adjustments can affect the amount counted for eligibility.
Household size generally follows federal tax-filing relationships, with special rules for people who do not file taxes and for pregnancy.
If you’re self-employed, the state may consider business income after allowable expenses rather than total sales or deposits. If your earnings fluctuate, provide current records and explain expected changes.
Use Indiana’s official eligibility guide for preliminary screening, then let FSSA determine your household’s countable income.
When Assets and Resources Matter?
MAGI categories do not use an asset test. A savings balance therefore does not automatically prevent HIP or children’s coverage.
Aged, blind, disabled, institutional, and waiver pathways can examine resources separately. Bank balances, property, exemptions, and spousal protections may matter; money received as income can also become a resource when retained.

3. Can My Child Get Medicaid If I Make Too Much?
Yes. Your child may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP even if your household income is too high for you to receive Medicaid through HIP.
Indiana uses different income limits for adults and children. For example, the 2026 HIP income limit for a household of four is $3,795.50 per month, while the state’s general children’s eligibility guide lists a higher screening limit of $7,012.50 for a four-person household.
Children may qualify for Package A Medicaid or Package C CHIP, depending on their age, household income, insurance circumstances, and other requirements.
Package A has no member cost sharing. Package C generally requires a monthly premium and copayments for certain services.
If you’re above the adult Medicaid limit, don’t assume your child is ineligible. Apply through Indiana FSSA so each family member can be assessed under the appropriate rules.
Important change for 2027: Beginning January 1, 2027, Indiana will enforce community engagement requirements for many Healthy Indiana Plan adults ages 19–64. Nonexempt members generally must complete 80 hours per month of qualifying activities, such as employment, education, or community service.
Exemptions apply, including for certain caregivers and people with qualifying health circumstances. Check Indiana FSSA’s HIP work requirements to determine whether the new rules may affect your coverage.
>>> Read More: Is MassHealth Medicare or Medicaid? A Simple Answer
4. What If Your Income Is Above the Indiana Medicaid Limit?
Exceeding one set of Indiana Medicaid income limits should prompt a review of other coverage options.
For children, check Package C CHIP first. Adults can explore Marketplace coverage and whether financial assistance is available based on their circumstances.
Working people with qualifying disabilities should ask about MEDWorks, which has different financial rules and may require premiums. Specialized Medicaid categories, including family planning or emergency-services-only coverage, may also apply. These provide different benefits and should not be assumed to replace comprehensive insurance.
5. Steps to Review Your Eligibility and Submit an Indiana Medicaid Application
Use Indiana Medicaid income limits to prepare your application, while leaving the final determination to FSSA.
- Identify your coverage category. Consider age, pregnancy, disability, Medicare eligibility, and long-term care needs.
- Match household size to the correct 2026 limit. Use the applicant’s category rather than another family member’s threshold.
- Determine whether an asset test applies. Gather resource records if applying through a relevant non-MAGI pathway.
- Apply through an approved channel. Use the FSSA Benefits Portal, telephone assistance, or a local Division of Family Resources office.
- Submit documentation and review the decision. Respond to verification requests and follow the notice’s appeal instructions if you disagree.
Indiana’s application guidance explains available channels.
6. Your Medicaid Benefit Could Also Help Lower Your Phone Bill
Sorting out Indiana Medicaid income limits is only part of the picture. Once you apply, a working phone lets you answer verification requests and check on your coverage decision with FSSA. If the monthly bill is a squeeze, a separate assistance program may help.
Lifeline is a federal program that helps eligible households afford phone service or internet service.
Medicaid is one way to qualify, along with SNAP, SSI, other qualifying programs, or household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Each household gets one benefit that cannot be transferred.
Lifeline service is provided by an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC), an approved carrier that applies the discount to your plan. Cintex Wireless is an ETC, and its recent merger into AirTalk Wireless is meant to widen device choices and simplify sign-up.
If you’d like to see what offer available at your location, the steps below walk you through the process with AirTalk Wireless:
- Visit the AirTalk Wireless website and enter your ZIP code to see if service is offered in your area.
- Browse the plans and devices available for your location and current inventory, then pick the one that fits your needs.
- Fill in your personal and contact details, and upload any documents requested to verify your identity and Lifeline eligibility.
- Once your application clears the Lifeline verification process, you’ll receive your SIM card, eSIM, or device. Follow the activation instructions to start your service.
Medicaid enrollment alone does not turn on phone service. Talk, text, data, devices, and any device charges vary by plan, location, eligibility, and inventory, so review the offer before you finish enrolling.
IMPORTANT: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless and Cintex Wireless as part of the promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.
7. FAQs
What is the highest income to be eligible for Medicaid?
Indiana does not have one income limit for everyone. The maximum depends on household size and eligibility category. Children and pregnant applicants generally have higher income thresholds than adults applying through the Healthy Indiana Plan.
What is the Medicaid threshold for 2026?
For one adult applying through Indiana’s Healthy Indiana Plan, the monthly screening limit is $1,835.50, effective March 1, 2026. Other household sizes and eligibility categories have different thresholds.
Do savings count toward Indiana Medicaid eligibility?
Not for MAGI-based categories such as HIP and most children’s Medicaid coverage. However, certain aged, blind, disabled, and long-term care programs consider countable assets, subject to exemptions and special rules.
Conclusion
Indiana Medicaid income limits vary by eligibility category, so one household can receive different coverage decisions for adults and children.
Use the March 2026 figures to estimate where you may qualify, but don’t rule yourself out based on income alone. Indiana FSSA will review your household circumstances and make the final decision.



