Indiana's Health Insurance Marketplace: HealthCare.gov
Indiana uses the federal health insurance marketplace at HealthCare.gov. There is no Indiana-specific state exchange. Hoosiers enter their zip code, household size, and projected income to see available plans in their county, calculate premium tax credits, and enroll in Indiana health insurance marketplace plans certified under the ACA.
Indiana has 92 counties. Indianapolis (Marion County) and the surrounding metro counties typically have the most carrier options. Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, and other mid-size cities also have decent carrier competition. Rural Indiana counties may have fewer options, though at least two to three carriers typically operate in most Indiana markets.
Indiana Marketplace Key Numbers (2026): Approximately 290,000 Hoosiers are enrolled in ACA marketplace plans. An estimated 82% receive premium tax credits. Indiana has one of the stronger records of marketplace carrier competition in the Midwest, which helps keep premiums closer to the national average.
HIP 2.0: Indiana's Medicaid Expansion
Indiana expanded Medicaid in 2015 through the Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0 (HIP 2.0) — a waiver-based expansion program that differs from standard Medicaid expansion in important ways. HIP 2.0 covers adults between 19 and 64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level (~$20,783 for a single adult in 2026). However, HIP 2.0 includes a unique feature:
- POWER Accounts: Most HIP 2.0 enrollees must contribute to a health savings-style account called a POWER Account. Monthly contributions are income-based (capped at 2% of income) and serve as your cost-sharing fund for healthcare expenses.
- HIP Basic vs. HIP Plus: If you make required POWER Account contributions, you receive HIP Plus benefits (more comprehensive coverage). If you don't make contributions, you're enrolled in HIP Basic (with more limited benefits and cost-sharing).
- Some exceptions: Very low-income enrollees (under 22% FPL) and certain exempt groups may not be required to contribute to POWER Accounts.
Apply for HIP 2.0 through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) at fssabenefits.in.gov or through a licensed broker who can walk you through the application and the contribution requirements.
ACA Marketplace Subsidies for Indiana Residents
For Hoosiers who earn above the HIP 2.0 eligibility threshold (138% FPL) but below or near the upper subsidy ranges, ACA premium tax credits can substantially reduce marketplace plan costs. In 2026:
- 138%–200% FPL (~$20,783–$30,120): Large subsidies; Silver plans with enhanced CSRs available; deductibles as low as $300–$500
- 200%–300% FPL (~$30,120–$45,180): Strong credits; Silver 73 CSRs up to 250% FPL
- 300%–400% FPL (~$45,180–$60,240): Moderate credits reducing monthly premiums by $100–$300
- Above 400% FPL: Credits available if benchmark Silver exceeds 8.5% of household income
Average Health Insurance Costs in Indiana
Indiana benefits from solid carrier competition, particularly in the Indianapolis metro area, keeping premiums somewhat below the national average. Approximate unsubsidized monthly premiums for a 40-year-old in 2026:
- Bronze plans: $300–$400/month; deductibles $6,500–$8,500
- Silver plans: $430–$540/month; deductibles $2,000–$5,000 before CSRs
- Gold plans: $530–$660/month; deductibles $1,000–$2,500
After subsidies, the average Indiana marketplace enrollee pays approximately $75/month — one of the better-value averages among states without a full state-based exchange.
Indiana's Manufacturing Workforce: Indiana has a large manufacturing sector, and many manufacturing employees face coverage changes when employers shift plans or workers change jobs. The Indiana ACA marketplace is an important safety net for workers between manufacturing jobs or in smaller manufacturing firms that don't offer coverage. Job loss from a manufacturing employer typically triggers a 60-day Special Enrollment Period.
Top Health Insurance Carriers in Indiana
- Ambetter from MHS (Managed Health Services) — one of the most competitive carriers in Indiana; strong presence in Indianapolis and surrounding counties; known for value-priced Silver plans
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Indiana — broad statewide network; offers PPO and HMO options; particularly strong in the Indianapolis market
- CareSource Indiana — community-focused HMO with competitive pricing; strong in central and southern Indiana counties
- MDwise Marketplace — Indiana-based plan with focus on central Indiana counties; known for local customer service
- UnitedHealthcare — available in select Indiana counties, primarily metro areas
- Aetna CVS Health — available in select Indiana markets
How to Enroll in Indiana Health Insurance
- Check HIP 2.0 eligibility if your income is under 138% FPL — apply at fssabenefits.in.gov
- If above HIP 2.0 threshold, visit HealthCare.gov to see marketplace plans
- Enter your Indiana zip code, household size, and projected 2026 income
- Review your subsidy estimate and browse available plans in your county
- Verify your doctors and prescriptions are covered under any plan you're considering
- Compare total annual cost (premium + deductible + expected copays), not just monthly premium
- Enroll by January 15 and pay first premium to activate coverage
HIP 2.0 vs. Marketplace: If your income is near 138% FPL, carefully compare HIP 2.0 (with its POWER Account requirements) against a subsidized marketplace Silver plan. The POWER Account contributions are not trivial, and some residents find a highly subsidized marketplace Silver plan to be equally or more affordable when the total cost is calculated. A licensed broker can run this comparison for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HIP 2.0 in Indiana?
HIP 2.0 (Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0) is Indiana's Medicaid expansion program, approved as an ACA expansion waiver in 2015. It covers adults between 19 and 64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Unlike standard Medicaid expansion, HIP 2.0 requires most participants to contribute to a POWER Account as a condition of receiving full benefits.
How do Indiana residents enroll in marketplace health insurance?
Indiana uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. There is no Indiana state exchange. Residents enter their zip code and income information to see available plans in their county and apply for premium tax credits during the open enrollment period.
How much does health insurance cost in Indiana?
Before subsidies, the average benchmark Silver plan for a 40-year-old in Indiana costs approximately $450–$530 per month. Indiana tends to have somewhat below-average premiums due to good carrier competition in Indianapolis and other metro areas. After subsidies, the average IN enrollee pays around $75/month.
What health insurance companies offer plans in Indiana?
Top Indiana marketplace carriers include Ambetter from MHS (Managed Health Services), Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Indiana, CareSource Indiana, MDwise Marketplace, and in some counties, UnitedHealthcare and Aetna CVS Health. Indianapolis and surrounding counties have the broadest carrier selection.
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