Medicaid Changes in Indiana
Medicaid requirements are changing. Here's what Indiana Medicaid members need to know about who may be affected, what they need to do and when they need to act.
What is Changing for Indiana Medicaid?
A new federal law (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) and new Indiana state law are adding work requirements — also called community engagement requirements — to Medicaid.
Beginning January 1, 2027, many adults ages 19 to 64 who have Medicaid, including members of the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), will need to complete and report at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activities to keep their coverage.
Qualifying activities include:
- Working at a job (employed and/or self-employed)
- Taking part in a work program or job training
- Volunteering or doing community service
- Attending school or an education program at least half-time
- A combination of any of these activities
- Reporting an income or at least $580 or more per month
The state will also review Medicaid eligibility more often than it has in the past.
How to Report Your Requirements:
HIP Work Requirement hours must be reported every month and will be checked by the FSSA every three months. If you do not follow HIP Work Requirements and do not have an exemption, your Medicaid coverage may end.
You can report your Work Requirement Hours one of three ways:
- Online through the Indiana FSSA Benefits Portal
- By mail sent to FSSA Document Center, PO Box 1810, Marion, IN 46952
- Calling 800-403-0864
- Visiting your local FSSA office during regular business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, except for State Holidays
Who May Be Exempt?
Not everyone has to meet the work requirement. You may be exempt if one or more of the following applies to you:
- You have a Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) that has “State” or “State Plan” included in the plan name.
- You are under 19 or over 64 years old
- You are a parent or caretaker of a dependent child age 13 or younger
- You are a caregiver for a person with a disability
- You are medically frail or have a serious health condition that keeps you from working, such as:
- A serious physical, intellectual or developmental disability (including blindness)
- A substance use disorder
- A serious mental health condition
- Another serious or complex medical condition
- You are pregnant or had a baby up to 12 months ago (postpartum)
- You are taking part in a drug or alcohol treatment program
- Are an inmate of a public institution (jail or prison) or were released in the last 90 days
- You are a veteran with a total (100%) disability rating
- You are under age 26 and were formerly in foster care
- You are a recognized member of a federally recognized tribe (certain American Indian or Alaska Native individuals)
- You are already following the work rules for SNAP or TANF
Use the Indiana FSSA’s anonymous HIP Work Requirements Pre-Screening Tool to find out if the work requirements apply to you by visiting https://hipworkscreen.in.gov/hwr.
What You Can Do Now
Even if the changes do not take effect right away, there are steps you can take now to prepare.
1. Create Your FSSA Benefits Portal Account
The Indiana FSSA Benefits Portal is fastest way to get updates and notices, check if you’re exempt, submit paperwork and prepare for work requirements. Go to https://fssabenefits.in.gov/bp/, click "Manage Your Benefits" and select "Create Account." For more information on how to create an account and what information you will be able to access, please visit https://www.thewellfund.org/indianafssa. Make sure your address is up-to-date so that you receive any notices or mail to come.
2. Watch your Mail
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) will send you a notice about your work-requirement status. Read it carefully and respond by the date listed.
2. Confirm Your Status and Report to the State.
You can report your hours or confirm an exemption through the FSSA Benefits Portal at fssabenefits.in.gov, or by calling 800-403-0864.
3. Turn in Your Documents to FSSA
If FSSA asks for proof of your work requirement hours, such as pay stubs, a letter from your employer, school enrollment, medical documentation, or proof that you care for a child, send it in as soon as possible before any deadline in your notice.
4. Do Not Wait: Take Action Before Your Deadline
Because these requirements begin January 1, 2027, confirming your status early gives you time to fix any problems before your coverage is affected.
Important Dates
You may have additional personal deadlines. Be sure to review any notices from the Indiana FSSA for deadlines that apply to you specifically.
Date | What happens | What you need to do |
October 2026 | All new Medicaid applications will require work requirement compliance for approval unless the applicant is exempt. | Watch for a notice from your state Medicaid agency with your work-requirement status. Report Medicaid requirements and documentation or confirm an exemption with your state by the date listed. |
November 1, 2026 - January 15, 2027 | The ACA Open Enrollment Period allows you to sign up for a health insurance plan through the federal or state Marketplace. | If you think you may not meet the Medicaid work requirements or qualify for an exemption, call The WellFund at 812-329-2579 to explore Marketplace coverage options. |
January 1, 2027 |
| Watch for continuing notices from your state Medicaid agency. Report exemptions, qualifying activities, or eligibility reviews as required. |
Worried You Might Lose Medicaid? The WellFund Can Help.
If you think you may no longer qualify for Medicaid because of the new work requirements, please contact The WellFund. We can help you understand your options and, if you do lose Medicaid coverage, help you enroll in coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace and explore any premium assistance you may qualify for.
Call The WellFund at 812-329-2579, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or email at Deaconess@TheWellFund.org. We strongly encourage you to call if you have questions or need help. There is no charge for this service.
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