Medicare in Indiana: 2025 Guide
Indiana has approximately 1.4 million Medicare beneficiaries, with Medicare Advantage plans capturing about half the market. The Indianapolis metropolitan area offers a wide selection of plans and insurers, while rural southern Indiana residents may face more limited choices and need to rely more heavily on Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement.
Medicare Advantage Plans in Indiana
Indiana's Medicare Advantage market is highly competitive in and around Indianapolis, where beneficiaries can typically choose from more than 40 plans offered by carriers including Anthem, UnitedHealth, Humana, and several regional plans. These urban plans often include extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and fitness memberships, alongside low or $0 monthly premiums for those who qualify.
Outside the Indianapolis metro, plan availability varies considerably by county. Cities like Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend maintain reasonable plan counts, but many rural counties—particularly in southern Indiana—may offer only five to ten plans. Beneficiaries in these areas should compare available HMO and PPO options carefully, paying close attention to provider networks to ensure their preferred doctors and hospitals are included. Those living in counties with very few MA plans may find that Original Medicare paired with a Medigap supplement and a standalone Part D drug plan provides better access to providers.
During each Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), Indiana beneficiaries can review and switch Medicare Advantage plans for the following year. The Indiana SHIP can provide free, unbiased assistance comparing plan costs, networks, and benefits.
Medicare Savings Programs in Indiana
Indiana offers four Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) administered through the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) that help low-income beneficiaries cover Medicare costs. The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program pays Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing. The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program helps pay the Part B premium, and the Qualifying Individual (QI) program provides partial Part B premium assistance on a first-come, first-served basis each year. A fourth program, Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI), helps certain disabled workers pay Part A premiums.
To apply for an MSP in Indiana, contact the FSSA Division of Aging or visit your local Division of Family Resources (DFR) office. Applying for an MSP also triggers an automatic review for the federal Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) program, which can save hundreds of dollars annually on Part D prescription drug costs. Indiana's Medicaid program, known as HIP 2.0 (Healthy Indiana Plan), represents a modified Medicaid expansion model and may provide additional coverage for eligible lower-income adults alongside Medicare.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance in Indiana
Indiana does not have a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) to supplement Medicare drug coverage. Hoosiers who need help paying for prescription drugs should apply for the federal Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) program through the Social Security Administration. Extra Help can significantly reduce Part D premiums, deductibles, and copayments for eligible beneficiaries with limited income and resources. Indiana SHIP counselors can assist with the Extra Help application process at no charge.
Getting Free Medicare Help in Indiana
The Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (Indiana SHIP) is a free, unbiased counseling service funded by the federal government and administered through the FSSA's State Personnel and Community Mission (SPCM) division. SHIP counselors are available across Indiana to help beneficiaries understand their Medicare options, compare plans, identify cost-saving programs, and navigate billing issues. There is never a charge for SHIP services, and counselors do not sell insurance products.
You can reach Indiana SHIP by calling 1-800-452-4800. Counselors can assist with Annual Enrollment Period plan comparisons, appeals and grievances, Medicare Savings Program applications, and Extra Help enrollment. Local SHIP offices and counselors are located throughout Indiana, including in rural counties, and some offer home visits or community outreach events for beneficiaries who have difficulty traveling.
Plan availability in Indiana varies significantly by location. The Indianapolis metro area typically offers 40 or more Medicare Advantage plans, while larger cities like Fort Wayne and Evansville generally have 20–30 options. Rural counties, especially in southern Indiana, may have fewer than 10 plans available. You can check exact plan counts for your county at Medicare.gov's Plan Finder tool or by calling Indiana SHIP at 1-800-452-4800.
HIP 2.0 (Healthy Indiana Plan) is Indiana's modified Medicaid expansion program. It primarily serves lower-income adults under 65, so most Medicare beneficiaries are not directly enrolled in HIP 2.0. However, some lower-income Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for Indiana's traditional Medicaid program alongside Medicare (called "dual eligibility"), which can cover costs that Medicare does not, such as long-term care. Dual-eligible Hoosiers may also qualify for special Medicare Advantage plans designed for people with both Medicare and Medicaid (D-SNPs). Contact FSSA or Indiana SHIP for guidance on qualifying.
Indiana SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to all Indiana residents. SHIP counselors can help you compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans, understand your benefits, apply for cost-savings programs like Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help, and resolve billing disputes. Call 1-800-452-4800 to reach Indiana SHIP. There is never a fee for SHIP services, and counselors are not affiliated with any insurance company.