Free Indiana health insurance information can always be found on our website. We help consumers by providing answers to your medical insurance questions, giving you free quotes from all top-rated companies and providing expert advice regarding applying for a policy and enrolling in the Health Exchange Marketplace. Reviews and comparisons of Senior Medicare plans and coverage, including Part D prescription drug coverage, are also available.
Assistance is provided 24/7, with quick answers to your questions. Information is provided for employer-provided plans, Obamacare coverage, and private medical plans available after the Open Enrollment deadline has ended. We also discuss options that are not government-affiliated, and are offered at all times throughout the year.
Below are some of the most popular topics we are asked about:
How Do I Buy A Policy Through The Indiana Health Insurance Exchange?
We assist individuals and families that reside in the Hoosier State buy their coverage from the Marketplace. We help you compare the leading policies available in your area, and simplify the enrollment process. Typically, it only takes about 10-20 minutes, and an initial payment is not required.
There are four plan options (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum) along with a special low-cost “catastrophic” classification if you are under age 30. If you can not afford one of the “Metal” plans, you may be able to qualify for a catastrophic policy, if “financial hardship” can be proven. These plans are not offered by all carriers.
The federal financial subsidy can potentially pay your entire premium and is renewable each year. However, a “catastrophic” plan is not eligible for the subsidy and should not be considered if you reside in a low-income household or have serious medical conditions. The amount of your subsidy may change if your household income projection changes, or there is a change in the number of household members. It is possible that a family member may be eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare.
To qualify for the federal assistance, your income must be below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. For example, in Marion County, a family of four (40-year-old parents and two children) that makes under $195,000, will qualify. Also, a single 30-year-old that earns less than $55,000 will also qualify for a subsidy. Naturally, the lower your income, the higher the subsidy. This is “free” money that can be used to reduce your rate.
We help you navigate and compare Indiana medical plans both “on” and “off” the Exchange so that you can view free quotes and easily apply. We guide you step-by-step, or you can enroll yourself, and simply request assistance if needed. You can also view non-Obamacare plans that are offered at all times throughout the year. Rates can wildly vary from one carrier to another.
What Companies Have The Best Rates In The State?
That depends on many factors, especially the type of coverage you need (Marketplace, Group, Off-Exchange, Senior, or temporary). In specific sections of Indiana, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Ambetter, CareSource, and Golden Rule (UHC) are typically very competitive. Cigna, AARP (UnitedHealthcare), and Humana offer very competitive Senior products.
If your need is temporary, UnitedHealthcare offers specialty short-term products that utilize the UHC provider network. Rates are extremely cheap, and plans are generally approved within 24-36 hours. However, these policies are not ACA-compliant, and therefore do not receive subsidies or cover pre-existing conditions.
National General also offers temporary coverage that utilizes the Aetna PPO network. Coverage up to 24 months is available. Anthem began offering a new temporary plan in 2021 that includes office visits and prescriptions with a copay.
Medical Mutual, Aetna, and Cigna stopped writing private business in the state, so they are no longer an option. MDwise previously offered policies in several areas, but the carrier has been purchased by McLaren. They continue as a non-profit company and work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), and Hoosier Healthwise. More than 300,000 persons are covered through MDwise and Medicaid.
Is Senior Medical Coverage Available?
Yes. Applicants that have reached age 65 are probably eligible for Medicare benefits. Although coverage is comprehensive, there are still many gaps that raise the out-of-pocket expenses that would have to be paid. Medigap and Advantage plans will help pay many of those expenses and are often a very cost-effective option. Dental and vision benefits, and other perks, are often included with Advantage plans.
Part D (drug and prescription benefits) are also often included in Medicare Advantage contracts. Copays and coinsurance can vary although typically, Tier-1 drugs (generic) are covered with a small copay or a $0 copay. Non-generic prescriptions will have higher copays. Specialty drugs may be subject to coinsurance instead of a copay.
Several Indiana Advantage contracts with prescription drug coverage are AARP Medicare Advantage Choice Plan 2, AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 1, Aetna Medicare Value, Aetna Medicare Premier, Allwell Medicare, Anthem MediBlue Plus, Humana Gold Plus, IU Health Plans Medicare Select Plus, IU Health Plans Medicare Choice, UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete, and UnitedHealthcare Nursing Home Plan. Often, Advantage plans provide additional dental, vision, and hearing benefits along with fitness memberships.
Advantage plans available without prescription drug coverage include: Lasso Healthcare (MSA), Humana Honor, and IU Health Plans Medicare Select.
Are Non-Obamacare Plans Available?
Yes. These types of policies should be considered if you missed or forgot about the Open Enrollment deadline, or don’t qualify for a federal subsidy and want a lower-cost major medical option. Plans that utilize a PPO network are offered, and up to 12 months of benefits are available. There is a cap on lifetime benefits, and a deductible applies to most office visits and prescriptions.
However, plans can be easily customized, with many deductibles and coinsurance options available. Urgent Care and telemedecine copays are often included, although specialist visits may be subject to a deductible. Preventative benefits are also provided but generally not covered at 100%. Optional accidental injury and in-hospital riders can reduce potential large out-of-pocket expenses.
Can Dental Or Vision Plans Be Purchased?
Yes. Many levels of coverage are offered by several carriers. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna offer very competitive rates for their stand-alone policies. Plans are available at any time throughout the year and are not subject to Open Enrollment deadlines. Generally, preventative benefits are included with no waiting period and a small (or $0) copay. Orthodontics is generally not covered on private plans.
Major procedures (crowns, bridges, and dentures) often have a waiting period with 30%-70% coinsurance. Rates can vary, but are typically $12-$30 per month (per person). Family discounts are offered with some companies. Annual payments may be required for discount dental plans. Small application fees may also be required with first premium and are not refundable.
What Do You Charge For All Of The Services You Provide?
That’s an easy question to answer. Nothing. Zero. And that will never change. We are aware that many other websites and plans can charge fees as much as $100. We do not feel that is right or necessary. You can “take it to the bank” that our Agency will never ask for any type of compensation.
And you can be confident that the prices you see on our website are the lowest possible rates offered by each of the carriers. We update our quote engine software each day, and also ensure that benefit information and estimated costs are identical to carrier and government websites. There are no costs to utilizing our website.
Will My Medical Conditions Be Covered?
Yes. Not only are your medical conditions (major or minor) covered without paying a higher rate, but treatment, including medications and therapy are also benefits that are included on Exchange plans. You won’t have to wait to use your policy and the price you pay won’t go up because you submit too many claims. You can also freely change policies during Open Enrollment without having to medically qualify.
Senior and Under-65 OE periods are different. For persons that are not eligible for Medicare, the enrollment dates are from November 1 to December 15th. The Senior dates begin October 15th and end December 7th. Reaching age 65 and meeting qualifying life event (QLE) guidelines provide additional enrollment options. Policies are written on one person, although many companies offer a household discount of both spouses are covered with the same carrier.
Am I Really Breaking The Law If I Don’t Purchase Coverage?
Unless you qualified for Medicare, Medicaid, or a few other special exclusions, previously, you were required to have “qualified” healthcare benefits. We help you choose the most reasonably-priced plans for you and every family member. But if you didn’t secure a policy, the tax was often 2.5% of your entire household income, or $695 per adult and $347.50 per child (whichever is higher). However, this tax penalty has been eliminated.
The penalty applied only to months you were uncovered, so if you purchased a qualified policy in July (assuming you qualified for a Special Enrollment Period exemption), the full annual tax was not be charged. The elimination of the tax has made 12-month short-term options more popular. Also, rates have not increased as a direct result from the elimination of the mandate. The number of uninsured persons also does not appear to have been substantially impacted.
I’m Coming Off Another Plan. Can I Keep My Doctors?
If you are changing from a group policy to an individual policy, and the same carrier will be used, then you should be able to use the same doctors and hospitals. If, however, the new insurer is different, you will have to verify that you existing physicians are “in network.” Specialists, and other medical facilities should also be verified.
Also, any time you go through an Open Enrollment, it is possible that some physicians, hospitals and facilities will be added (or dropped) from a plan you are applying for. Sometimes, even if the company remains the same, it is possible there will be a separate directory of providers for each specific policy. Upon request, we will provide a free list of all providers in your area.
Is It Easy To Cancel A Policy?
You can keep your plan as long as you need it. At any time, you can cancel coverage. For example, you may only need benefits for a few months. In that situation, a short-term policy would be the best option to keep rates low. If you want to buy long-term coverage, you will still be able to terminate the policy whenever you request it.
Whether it’s a week, a month or a year, you can cancel at any time. However, it is important to understand when Open Enrollment begins and ends, and the exceptions that are available if you need to apply for benefits after the deadline has passed. Note: Employer-provided Group coverage may have different requirements for terminating coverage. Ancillary coverage (dental, vision, disability, and life) may need to be terminated separately.
How Do I Apply For Health Insurance In Indiana?
The process is simple. The free quote section is at the top of the page. You begin there. There will be a few questions that you will have to answer. However, you no longer have to medically qualify to be approved, and physicals are not required. If you have pre-existing conditions, they will not impact the cost of coverage, and no waiting period will be applied.
Once the application is submitted, after a few days or a few weeks (it depends on the type of coverage), you will receive your policy, identification cards, and follow-up correspondence to verify that the cost and benefits are accurate. We also help you secure your ID cards and policy in a timely manner. The federal subsidy will automatically be applied.
I Currently Live In Indianapolis. If I Move, Will My Rates Change?
All carriers use either a county or zip code to determine your rate. Thus, it is possible that your rate will change if you move. For example, Richmond’s rates may be a bit less, while premiums in the Gary area my go up. Marion County previously offered policies from MDwise, although they no longer provide coverage.
As prices of plans and product availability change, we regularly update our website, so you are always receiving the most current and accurate information. If there are any questions we missed, regarding health insurance in Indiana comparisons, prices or enrolling, please contact us by phone or email.
Am I Required To Buy Coverage When My Employer Does Not Offer It To Employees?
No. And you are also not required to buy a qualified healthcare policy that complies with the provisions of the ACA. Previously, you were offered an exemption (incarceration, not in the country legally, federally-recognized Indian tribe, lowest-cost plan is more than 8% of your income), but the penalty for non-compliance (previously discussed) has been eliminated.
Many “non-compliant” plans can be easily purchased, although they do not satisfy all ACA requirements. Several of these plans have expensive upfront application fees, and benefits are limited. Often, they are sold from “boiler room” operations that employ unlicensed telemarketers. Enrollment fees on these plans are often more than $100, and customer-service assistance is non-existent.
Are There Policies With A $0 Deductible?
Most individual Marketplace plans have a deductible to meet. However, many Group plans (small and large) feature benefits with $0, $250, and $500 deductibles. The more popular plan options feature deductibles ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 because of the lower cost. Many Senior Medicare Advantage plans have $0 deductibles along with several Part D prescription drug plans.
The under-65 plans with the lowest deductibles are:
$0 – Ambetter Balanced Care 14
$950 – Ambetter Secure Care 15
1,250 – Ambetter Secure Care 5
$2,000 – CareSource Marketplace Gold