Is Hoosier Health Card the Same as Medicaid? What You Need to Know

In Indiana, two key health coverage programs—Hoosier Health Card and Medicaid—serve low- and moderate-income residents, but they are not the same. Understanding their differences helps families choose the right support during critical health moments.

What Is the Hoosier Health Card?

The Hoosier Health Card is Indiana’s state-sponsored program designed to provide affordable access to medical services for eligible residents. It primarily covers costs for doctor visits, prescription drugs, lab tests, and preventive care. Administered through Local Health Departments, it emphasizes cost-sharing with low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities. Coverage is based on income, residency, and program guidelines updated annually.

How Medicaid Works in Indiana

Medicaid in Indiana, expanded under the Affordable Care Act, offers broader benefits including hospitalizations, mental health services, and long-term care. It serves low-income children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. Eligibility hinges on income, household size, and state rules, with enrollment managed through the Indiana Health Insurance Marketplace and local agencies. Medicaid often covers more comprehensive services but requires strict documentation.

Key Differences Between Hoosier Health Card and Medicaid

While both programs aim to reduce financial barriers to healthcare, several key distinctions set them apart:

1. Eligibility Criteria
Hoosier Health Card focuses on income-based thresholds and state residency, primarily serving non-disabled adults, seniors, and certain disabled individuals. Medicaid eligibility includes income, family status, and specific health conditions, offering broader coverage including maternal care and disability benefits.

2. Benefit Coverage
Hoosier Health Card emphasizes routine care—doctor visits, prescriptions, and preventive screenings—with limited mental health and long-term services. Medicaid covers a full spectrum: hospital stays, emergency services, mental health, and home care, often with lower out-of-pocket costs.

3. Enrollment and Application Process
Hoosier Health Card applications are streamlined through local health departments, requiring proof of Indiana residency and income. Medicaid enrollment involves online applications via the Indiana Health Marketplace or in-person, with documentation of income and household composition.

Who Should Apply for Which Program?

Individuals with limited income and basic medical needs—especially seniors or disabled persons—often qualify for the Hoosier Health Card. Those seeking comprehensive care, including maternal and mental health services, may benefit more from Medicaid. Dual eligibility is possible, allowing coverage overlap, but coordination requires careful planning to avoid duplication.

Navigating Enrollment in Indiana (2025)

To apply, visit the official Hoosier Health Card portal or contact your local Health Department. Required documents include proof of residency, income verification, and identity. For Medicaid, use the Indiana Health Marketplace to compare plans and submit a full application. Free enrollment counselors are available to guide applicants through eligibility checks and paperwork.

Why Understanding These Differences Matters

Misassuming one program replaces the other can lead to gaps in care or unexpected costs. Both programs play vital roles in Indiana’s healthcare safety net, but their structures, benefits, and access rules differ significantly. Staying informed empowers residents to make confident decisions that protect their health and finances.

Take action today: review your eligibility for Hoosier Health Card or Medicaid using Indiana’s official resources, and schedule a consultation to secure the coverage that fits your needs.