Indiana Low-Income Senior Programs: Medicare Cost Help and Beyond
Programs That Help Indiana Seniors Pay for Healthcare
Indiana has several assistance programs layered across state and federal agencies. Each one covers different costs and has different eligibility rules. Here's how they fit together.
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI)
These state-administered programs through DFR pay Medicare premiums and, in the case of QMB, all deductibles and copayments. Indiana's income limits are among the most generous in the country — up to 185% FPL for QI ($2,481/month for a single senior in 2026). Asset limits are $9,950 single / $14,910 couple.
Any MSP approval automatically triggers federal Extra Help with prescription drug costs.
Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)
A federal program through Social Security that eliminates or dramatically reduces Part D prescription drug costs. Copays drop to $5.10 (generic) and $12.65 (brand-name), with no deductible and a $2,100 annual cap. For 2026, direct Extra Help income limits are $23,940/year single and $32,460/year couple; the resource limits are higher than MSP limits ($18,090 single / $36,100 couple).
HoosierRx
Indiana's own pharmacy assistance program for seniors 65 and older. Pays up to $70/month toward the Part D plan premium. No asset test, but income must be at or below $23,940/year (single) or $32,460/year (couple). Full Extra Help recipients are excluded.
Traditional Aged Medicaid
Full Medicaid coverage for seniors 65+ with income at or below approximately $1,330/month and limited assets. Covers everything Medicare doesn't — dental, vision, hearing aids, long-term care, transportation to medical appointments. The income and asset limits are stricter than MSPs.
PathWays for Aging
Indiana's managed care program for seniors 60+ who need long-term care services — home health aides, adult day programs, assisted living, nursing facility care. Administered through three managed care organizations (Anthem, Humana, UnitedHealthcare). A senior can hold QMB status alongside PathWays enrollment ("QMB Plus").
Indiana SHIP Counseling
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling through the Department of Insurance. SHIP helps seniors understand their options, compare plans, and check eligibility — but doesn't process applications. Call 1-800-452-4800.
How the Programs Layer Together
These programs aren't mutually exclusive. A senior can simultaneously have:
- QMB paying all Medicare premiums and cost-sharing
- Extra Help reducing prescription drug costs (automatic with QMB)
- PathWays for Aging covering long-term care needs
- SHIP providing ongoing plan comparison advice
The key is that MSPs and Extra Help sit on top of Medicare — they reduce or eliminate the out-of-pocket costs Medicare charges. Traditional Aged Medicaid and PathWays for Aging provide services Medicare doesn't cover.
Where to Start
For most seniors whose primary concern is the Part B premium eating into their Social Security check, the Medicare Savings Programs are the right first step. Apply through DFR at fssabenefits.in.gov or 1-800-403-0864.
The Indiana Medicare Savings Programs Guide maps out all of these programs, their eligibility criteria, and how they interact — so you can figure out which combination fits your parent's situation.
Get Your Free Indiana — Medicare Savings Program Eligibility Checklist
Download the Indiana — Medicare Savings Program Eligibility Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.