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Medicare in Indiana: Who Qualifies, How to Apply, and More

February 13, 2022

Medicare in Indiana: Who Qualifies, How to Apply, and More

Millions of eligible people across the United States can get access to healthcare coverage through Medicare. Individuals over 65 and younger individuals with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for Medicare benefits.

You can enroll in Medicare no matter where you live in Indiana because it's a federal program that operates the same as any other state. Still, you may have several questions about the Medicare program regarding costs, especially as it relates to premiums and deductibles.

It can be helpful to talk to someone to find the answers to your Medicare questions before the various enrollment periods. In this article, we’ll share some key information about Medicare in Indiana to help you find the answers you need.

Who Qualifies for Medicare in Indiana?

Over 10 million people in Indiana are enrolled in some type of Medicare plan, including:

  • 5.1 million people enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan
  • 5.7 million people enrolled in a Prescription Drug Plan

To qualify for Medicare you must be a citizen of the United States. You can qualify if you have been a permanent legal resident for at least five years as well. You need to be at least 65 years old to apply for Medicare. You can also sign up for Part A if you are eligible for Railroad Retirement benefits. You’re also eligible for Medicare benefits if you can get Social Security benefits due to a spouse's work record.

You may be eligible for coverage if you’re younger than 65 with a qualifying disability that allows you to receive Social Security Disability Insurance. After 24 months of disability benefits, you can enroll in Medicare. Some beneficiaries have worked long enough in a government job and meet the criteria of the Social Security disability program.

You can get Medicare coverage if you have end-stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig's disease, also called ALS. You can also qualify for Medicare if you are a kidney dialysis patient. Once you are eligible, you can look at the options available where you live.

Is Medicare Free in Indiana?

In short, Medicare in Indiana is not free, but some people may be eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A. Many people have to pay for coverage, but the cost can vary. The price for each type of Medicare varies as well.

Medicare consists of multiple parts:

  • Part A is hospitalization coverage. This can pay for the costs of inpatient care, skilled nursing care, and home health care
  • Part B covers outpatient hospital care, lab work, doctor visits, and other services
  • Parts A and B are part of Original Medicare; you may be responsible for the cost of premiums, deductibles, and copays

If you’re not eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A, your monthly premium will vary based on Medicare taxes paid while you were employed. You may be able to avoid a premium if you or a spouse paid Medicare taxes while working for some time. For each year you work in Indiana, you earn four credits. At 40 credits, Part A is premium-free, but the price increases if you have fewer credits.

You do need to pay a premium for Part B and this cost is based on your income. You will also need to pay a deductible and copayments for the care you receive.

Part C or Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare. Coverage is administered by a private insurance company, and as a result, the costs can vary.

Learn more about the latest Medicare cost information.

What is the Income Limit for Medicare in Indiana?

In general, Medicare in Indiana does not have income limits. The amount you make every year can influence how much you pay in some monthly expenses. Nevertheless, you might look into some Medicare programs. A few of the programs do have income limits for enrollees. Part D is prescription drug coverage, and Extra Help can aid enrollees with associated costs.

If you are single, you have to make less than $1,469 monthly. A married person should earn less than $1,980 a month.

Medicare also offers multiple saving programs. If you plan to apply for Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, the maximum monthly income is $1,630 for singles. Your assets cannot be more than $7,970. The limit is $2,198 a month for married beneficiaries, and resources cannot go above $11,960. The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program pays for Part B premiums. To qualify, you need to make less than $1,845 a month. The uppermost income limit for married enrollees is $2,488 per month.

The Qualified Individuals program provides up to three months of retroactive coverage. The monthly income limit is $2,006, and you cannot have more than $7,970 in assets. The limit increases to $2,706 a month for married couples, and assets cannot go beyond $11,960.

How do I Apply for Medicare in Indiana?

Once you have a policy in mind, you can sign up for Medicare in Indiana through the Social Security Administration. Some residents already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. They automatically become enrolled in Medicare when they turn 65 years old. Otherwise, you can visit the Social Security Administration's website and create an account. Once you create an account, follow the steps to sign up for coverage. Another option is to call the Social Security office. You also can visit the office in person to enroll for Medicare.

Usually, you would sign up once you turn 65. The appropriate time would be the month of your birthday or during the three months following it. If you don’t sign up during the initial period, you may have to wait to enroll.

Each year, the general enrollment period is from January 1 through March 31 for Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. There is also an annual enrollment period between October 15 and December 7, where you can switch plans if your medical coverage has changed.

Medicare Advantage in Indiana

Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare, and private companies offer this type of insurance plan. Examples of providers include Humana, Aetna, and Cigna. With Medicare Advantage, you will receive coverage for services covered by Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans also include other services like vision and dental. Many of the policy options contain Part D of Medicare, so you are getting almost everything in one policy.

Medicare Advantage costs can vary. Each company can set its own copays and deductibles for each plan. Medicare Advantage policies generally have localized healthcare provider networks instead of nationwide access. Despite a local provider network, an Advantage plan can cover foreign travel emergency care.

When you search for a Medicare Advantage plan, you may see different types. Common ones are health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs). Learn more about Medicare HMOs and PPOs to determine which one is the right fit for your needs.

Learn More About Medicare in Indiana

If you have additional questions about Medicare in Indiana, contact us to speak with a licensed insurance agent. Contact us today or use our website to compare Medicare plans. We can help you navigate the different types of Medicare and make the best decision for your needs.

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