Indiana Medicare beneficiaries have access to a range of coverage options, state-specific protections, and free counseling services. This comprehensive Indiana Medicare guide covers your SHIP office contacts, Medigap plan availability, birthday rule protections, Medicare Savings Program eligibility, Medicare Advantage options, and how to compare plans. Whether you are turning 65, helping a parent navigate Medicare, or re-evaluating your coverage, understanding Indiana Medicare rules is essential for making informed decisions.
All information in this guide has been verified against official state sources, CMS data, and NAIC reports as of April 2026.
In This Indiana Medicare Guide:
Indiana SHIP — Free Medicare Counseling
Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Indiana’s SHIP program can help you understand your coverage options, compare plans, resolve billing issues, and navigate enrollment periods at no cost.
| SHIP Program | Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), operated by the Indiana Department of Insurance |
| Phone | 1-800-452-4800 |
| Website | https://www.in.gov/ship/ |
SHIP counselors are trained volunteers and staff who are not affiliated with any insurance company. They do not sell plans. Contact your Indiana SHIP office before making any major Medicare decisions.
Indiana Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans
Medigap plans in Indiana help cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare, including the Part A deductible, Part B coinsurance, and skilled nursing facility copays. Medigap plans are standardized by federal law, meaning Plan G from one carrier covers the same benefits as Plan G from another carrier. The difference is premium cost.
Plans available in Indiana: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N (Plans C and F restricted to those Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020; High Deductible versions of F and G also available)
Most popular plan: Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan in Indiana. Plan G covers all gaps in Original Medicare except the annual Part B deductible ($240 in 2026). Plan N is the most popular lower-premium alternative, with small copays for some doctor visits and ER visits.
Pricing method: Indiana uses issue-age-rated Medigap pricing. Your premium is based on your age when you first buy the policy. Premiums may increase due to inflation but not solely because you age.
The average monthly Plan G premium for a 65-year-old in Indiana is approximately $155. Plan N averages approximately $120 per month. Actual premiums vary by carrier, age, gender, tobacco use, and zip code. Always compare quotes from at least three carriers.
Indiana Medigap Birthday Rule
Indiana is one of the few states with a Medigap birthday rule. Effective January 1, 2026 under HEA 1226, Indiana Medigap policyholders age 65+ get a 60-day guaranteed issue window starting on their birthday each year to switch to the same plan letter with a different carrier without medical underwriting. Insurers cannot deny coverage, impose waiting periods, or charge more based on health conditions. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following the birthday. Must keep the same plan letter (e.g., Plan G to Plan G only).
This annual switching window gives Indiana Medicare beneficiaries an opportunity to change Medigap plans without medical underwriting, potentially finding lower premiums or better coverage. Not all states offer this protection.
Indiana guaranteed issue protections: Indiana offers several protections beyond federal minimums: (1) HEA 1226 birthday rule (2026) provides annual 60-day GI window for same-letter plan switches; (2) SEA 215 (effective January 1, 2025) provides guaranteed issue into Medigap plans for people under 65 with Medicare due to disability; (3) GI rights when leaving employer group coverage that was primary to Medicare, even if the standard 6-month federal OEP has passed.
Indiana Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Approximately 1391723 people in Indiana are enrolled in Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans in Indiana are offered by private insurers as an alternative to Original Medicare. Most MA plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and often add dental, vision, and hearing benefits. However, MA plans use provider networks, which can limit your choice of doctors and hospitals.
Key Medicare Advantage considerations in Indiana:
- Networks matter: HMO plans require you to use in-network providers except in emergencies. PPO plans allow out-of-network care at higher cost.
- $0 premium plans: Many Indiana MA plans have $0 monthly premiums (you still pay your Part B premium).
- Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP): MA plans cap your annual spending, unlike Original Medicare which has no cap.
- Star ratings: CMS rates MA plans 1-5 stars. Higher-rated plans often have lower costs and better coverage.
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Indiana by enrollment:
- UnitedHealthcare
- Humana
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Aetna
- Wellcare
Indiana Medicare Financial Help Programs
Indiana offers Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for premiums, deductibles, and copays. The four programs are:
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Pays Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Pays Part B premiums only.
- QI (Qualifying Individual): Pays Part B premiums (limited funding, first-come first-served).
- QDWI (Qualified Disabled Working Individual): Pays Part A premiums for disabled workers.
Indiana MSP eligibility: QMB: 1977/month single, 2664/month married; SLMB: 2238/month single; QI: 2433/month single, 3281/month married; Asset limits for all MSPs: 9950 single, 14910 married
Apply through your local SHIP office or your state Medicaid agency for free help determining eligibility.
Top Medicare Insurance Companies in Indiana
Top Medigap carriers in Indiana:
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare
- Mutual of Omaha
- Anthem
- MedMutual Protect
- Humana
When comparing carriers, focus on premium cost (for identical standardized Medigap plans, benefits are the same — only price differs), financial strength ratings from AM Best (A or higher), customer satisfaction ratings, and claims processing speed.
Indiana Medicare Enrollment Periods
Understanding Medicare enrollment deadlines prevents costly late enrollment penalties:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window around your 65th birthday (3 months before, birthday month, 3 months after). Enroll in Parts A and B during this period.
- Medigap Open Enrollment: Standard federal 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period beginning the month the beneficiary turns 65 and is enrolled in Part B. Indiana does not extend this initial OEP beyond the federal 6 months, but the birthday rule (HEA 1226) provides an annual switching opportunity thereafter.. During this period, insurance companies cannot deny you Medigap coverage or charge higher premiums based on health conditions.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 through December 7 each year. Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change MA plans, or add/change Part D drug plans.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 through March 31. Switch MA plans or return to Original Medicare (and add a Medigap plan, subject to underwriting).
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): Available when you lose employer coverage, move, or qualify for other life events.
Additional Indiana Medicare protections: HEA 1226 (2026) Medigap birthday rule providing annual 60-day guaranteed issue switching window; SEA 215 (2025) guaranteed issue Medigap access for under-65 disabled Medicare beneficiaries; guaranteed issue rights when leaving employer group coverage primary to Medicare
Compare Indiana Medicare Plans
Ready to compare Medicare options in Indiana? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor for free, unbiased help.
Official Sources & Resources
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
- Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI): https://www.in.gov/idoi/
- Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), operated by the Indiana Department of Insurance: https://www.in.gov/ship/
- CMS.gov: cms.gov
- NAIC: naic.org
This Indiana Medicare guide was last verified against official sources in April 2026. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.