Table of Contents

Medicare Plans by State

STATE -Select-
  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
Page Reviewed / Updated – December 23, 2023

Approximately 16.9% of Indiana’s population of around 6.8 million is aged 65+. Older adults are among the main participants in the federally run Medicare health insurance program and the privately operated Medicare Advantage initiative. Although similar, there are distinct differences between the two plans. Medicare provides pay-per-service inpatient and outpatient care through Parts A and B, respectively. It also offers prescription drug benefits via Part D. Medicare Advantage, sometimes known as Medicare Part C, provides a combined package of benefits payable by monthly premiums.

Medicare Advantage Plans must include all the same provisions as Parts A and B of Original Medicare, save for hospice care. Although not a requirement, many insurance companies also include some prescription medication coverage. Plans also typically include diverse services on top of those covered by regular Medicare, such as dental and vision care, routine medical transportation and senior nutrition programs. Part C providers are regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Medicare Advantage participants benefit from an annual limit on personal charges, whereas yearly service fees are uncapped under Original Medicaid. Part C providers can also decide their fee schedule for deductibles and copays. Individuals enrolled in a group plan, such as through an employer or union, may have zero monthly premiums.

Across the country, 51% of qualifying Medicare beneficiaries opt for Medicare Advantage coverage. Opting into Part C is a little less common in Indiana, with 47% of approximately 1.3 million eligible candidates enrolled for Medicare Advantage in 2023. Compared to the previous year, eligible beneficiaries are up 2.46%, and the percentage growth of those enrolled for Part C is 11.05%. In 2022, 44% of Indiana’s Medicare-eligible individuals signed up for private coverage, suggesting that Medicare Advantage is gradually gaining popularity in the state.

This guide unveils the Medicare Advantage landscape in Indiana, providing valuable insights into top plans, eligibility criteria and coverage specifics for state residents. Whether seeking comprehensive coverage or knowledge, this resource empowers individuals to make informed health care decisions. 

The Top 10 Medicare Advantage Plans in Indiana

Many insurers offer private Medicare Advantage Plans in Indiana. The table shows the state’s 13 top Part C providers, ordered by the total number of enrollees. The enrollee number is a combination of people signed up for all plans from each provider. The cost range takes into account pricing variations across different policies. Figures are correct as of July 2023, and more information is available at Medicare.gov.

Name

Enrollment

Medicare Star Rating

Monthly Cost Range

Plan Types

Humana

163765

4

$0 – $132

PPO, HMO

UnitedHealthcare

111828

4

$0 – $81

PPO

Anthem HealthKeepers

88527

4

$0 – $21

HMO

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

51234

4.5

$0 – $0

HMO

Aetna Medicare

35973

3.5

$0 – $29

PPO

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

30819

4

$0 – $54

PPO, HMO

Indiana University Health Plans

18855

4

$0 – $98

HMO

Braven Health

8072

3.5

$0 – $187

HMO

Wellcare by Allwell

5187

3

$0 – $12

HMO

Independence Blue Cross

4385

4

$0 – $82

PPO, PFFS

How Medicare Advantage Plans Work in Indiana

Prior to selecting an Advantage plan, it’s a good idea for seniors to familiarize themselves with how the Medicare Advantage program works and how to qualify. Insurance companies offer different types of plans, including the familiar health maintenance organization (HMO) and preferred provider organization (PPO) plans that most people already have experience with. Each health plan has its own rules regarding eligibility, which doctors plan members may see, how to get a referral to a specialist, which medications are covered and the need to establish primary care. Below is a review of the four most common types of Advantage plans. 

Medicare Advantage Plan Types Graphic

What Medicare Advantage Plans Cover in Indiana

Aside from hospice care (which remains covered by Medicare Part A), Advantage plans are legally required to cover everything offered by Medicare Parts A and B. This includes preventative care, emergency room visits, inpatient care, outpatient procedures, diagnostic testing and medical equipment and supplies. Medicare Advantage plans often include prescription drug plans, coverage for dental, vision and hearing care, and discounts on wellness programs, such as meal services and gym memberships. 



Coverage Available With Medicare Parts A & B?

Coverage Available With Medicare Advantage?

Preventive Screenings

Yes

Yes

Hospital Care

Yes

Yes

Durable Medical Equipment

Yes

Yes

Prescription Drugs

No

Yes**

Vision Care

No

Yes*

Dental Care

No

Yes*

Hearing Aids

No

Yes*

*Select plans offer this coverage

** Most plans offer this coverage

Eligibility for Medicare Advantage in Indiana

Before seniors can apply for Medicare Advantage, they need to already be enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and live in the service area for the plan they’ve selected. They must meet all other Medicare enrollment requirements and the eligibility requirements for the Advantage plan they’ve chosen. Medicare is only provided to seniors over the age of 65 and adults with qualifying disabilities. It’s also only accessible to U.S. citizens and legal residents. 

Medicare has an initial enrollment period and annual enrollment periods that allow seniors to make changes to their plans. It’s important for seniors to know when they can enroll and how to avoid late enrollment penalties. The list below reviews enrollment periods and timing.

  • Initial Coverage Election Period: This is the initial 7-month period, coinciding with one’s 65th birthday, during which everyone is eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Annual Election Period (AEP): Also referred to as the Open Enrollment Period, this the time of year when anyone over 65 can enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time or change to a new plan.
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: During this period, those who are already enrolled in Medicare Advantage can switch to a different plan or switch back to Original Medicare.

Start Date

End Date

Initial Coverage Election
Period

3 Months Before One’s
65th Birth Month

3 Months After One’s
65th Birth Month

Annual Election Period
(AEP)

October 15th

December 7th

Medicare Advantage Open
Enrollment Period

January 1st

March 31st

Additionally, Medicare Advantage plan participants can change their plan outside of these enrollment periods under certain qualifying circumstances, such as moving to a new state.

How to Find & Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan in Indiana

Navigating the many intricacies of Medicare Advantage plan types, insurers, and the specific plan options available by region can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Below are several resources we’ve created to help you through the process.

First is a downloadable PDF that you can use as a guide to help you compare plans as you research. Finally, we have listed a number of organizations that you can contact with experts that will help you determine whether Medicare Advantage is right for you and what plans you should consider.

Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan



State-Wide Medicare Advantage Resources

Senior Health Insurance Program 

Indiana’s Senior Health Insurance Program provides free, unbiased health insurance information for those who qualify for Medicare. It is staffed with a team of volunteer counselors who have completed an intensive training course and are certified by the Indiana Department of Insurance. SHIP isn’t affiliated with any insurance companies or agencies, and it doesn’t sell insurance plans. Some services that it provides include help with understanding Medicare and organizing records, information on how to file Medicare claims and appeal Medicare decisions and an overview of a Medicare beneficiary’s rights. Its counselors also assist clients in evaluating the various Medicare Advantage plans available to them and provide referrals to appropriate agencies that address other needs. To be eligible for assistance from SHIP, seniors must qualify for Medicare coverage. SHIP also offers educational materials and brochures and provides speakers to make presentations for groups, clubs and senior centers.  

Contact Info

To locate their nearest SHIP office, seniors should call 1-800-457-8283 or text 1-855-463-5292. 

Managed Health Services  

MHS Indiana is the state’s managed care entity that provides access to health insurance for at-risk populations, including low-income residents and seniors. It is a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a multinational health care enterprise that offers government-sponsored health insurance and specialty services. Through MHS, seniors can enroll in Allwell, the state’s Medicare Advantage plan, as well as Medicare’s Extra Help program, which covers prescription drug costs for low-income seniors. MHS also connects Hoosiers with experienced case managers who can help them evaluate their needs and choose the best health care plan, as well as member service representatives who can help them understand their coverage or file a claim. Program eligibility is based on an individual’s age, and in some cases, special health needs. MHS also has a 24-hour nurse line that seniors can call to receive medical advice.  

Contact Info

Seniors may contact MHS via the contact form on its website or by calling 1-855-766-1541 on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. 

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The AdvoConnection Directory 

The AdvoConnection Directory provides a comprehensive list of private independent health advocates throughout Indiana. This free directory features nonmedical advocates and navigators who are members of the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates and have experience in helping clients work with medical providers and health insurance companies. Some services that advocates may provide include accompanying clients to medical appointments, helping them learn more about their medical condition, teaching pain management techniques and reviewing their prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to ensure that there are no conflicts. Advocates may also provide assistance with selecting a Medicare Advantage plan, filing a claim, disputing denials and finding legal assistance after a medical error. This directory is available to anyone, regardless of age, income or health status. TheAdvoConnection Directory also provides a variety of informational resources on topics, such as long-term care, preparing for hospital stays and reporting medical events.  

Contact Info

To find an advocate, seniors can visit the AdvoConnection website, enter their zip code and select the services they’re looking for from the menu. Once the search results are provided, seniors can select the service provider that meets their needs and contact them directly.

Local Medicare Advantage Resources

LifeTime 

LifeTime, which is located in Dillsboro, Indiana, provides a variety of services and supports for seniors residing in Dearborn, Jefferson, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland Counties. It has a team of Family Support Options Counselors that provide free, objective advice to help seniors evaluate their needs and budget to find a suitable Medicare Advantage plan. To be eligible for services through LifeTime, seniors must be at least 60 years old and reside in the agency’s service area. Along with Medicare counseling, LifeTime provides transportation services, meal delivery, advocacy and community care counseling, as well as information and assistance. It provides referral services to connect seniors with other relevant community resources. The office also features an on-site resource library with books, videos and pamphlets on topics, such as family caregiving, as well as a computer with Internet access that is available to use during the library’s hours of operation.  

Contact Info

To contact LifeTime, seniors can send an email through the agency’s website or call the office at 1-800-742-5001. 

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CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions 

CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions is located in Indianapolis and serves seniors living in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Johnson, Marion, Morgan and Shelby Counties. This nonprofit organization has an Aging and Disability Resource Center that provides one-on-one counseling for seniors regarding available health care benefits and long-term services. The agency makes this service available for free to everyone, regardless of their income or financial assets. In addition to providing information about Medicare Advantage plans, the agency promotes seniors’ independence and wellness through several options programs, including home accessibility modifications, transportation and senior meals and nutrition services, as well as care management and care coordination services. It also provides presentations and display materials for community events. 

Contact Info

Seniors can contact CICOA’s Indianapolis office by calling 1-317-254-5465 or 1-800-489-9550 on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Seniors can also call the Morgan County office at 1-317-803-6061. To speak to someone about options counseling, seniors should call the agency’s Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-317-803-6131 or 1-800-432-2422.  

St. Joseph Health System 

The St. Joseph Health System, which is based out of the northern region of Indiana, provides health insurance services to Michiana seniors. It features resource centers in Mishawaka, Plymouth and South Bend, each staffed with licensed health insurance agents who provide information on Medicare and prescription drug plans. All services are offered free of cost or obligation, and they are available to all Michiana residents regardless of age or income. Along with providing information on Medicare Advantage plans, it educates clients about vision, dental, cancer and critical illness insurance to help them reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses. No application or appointment fees are charged. It also hosts free events throughout the year where licensed health insurance agents answer visitors’ questions about Medicare and other types of health insurance.  

Contact Info

For more information and to schedule an appointment with a health insurance agent, seniors should call 1-855-887-5633 or send an email to [email protected].

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