UPDATED: JULY 05, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
Students in Indiana may look for health insurance plans to protect them in an emergency. It’s vital to prioritize your health and wellness when g off to school, even if you’re healthy. Indiana college students often deal with mental health issues and other medical emergencies needing attention.
But it can be challenging to choose the best insurance plan. Plenty of health insurance options are available for students in Indiana. Here are Indiana students’ various programs and coverage options so you can find the best policy.
What Are the Indiana Health Insurance Options Available For Students?
Student health insurance protects from illness or injury. If you don’t know what options are available for your healthcare, here’s a breakdown of what’s available in Indiana:
- College or university plans: Many colleges and universities in Indiana offer student health plans. Some may even require it to attend school.
- Parent’s insurance plan: If you’re a full-time student, you may be eligible to stay on your parent’s plan. It can be tricky if you attend school out-of-state, so check for in-network providers.
- Marketplace plans: You can purchase an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan through the Indiana health insurance Marketplace. You can easily find these plans at healthcare.gov.
- Medicaid: Indiana has a few low to no-cost plans for students. Eligibility requirements depend on your income.
- Catastrophic health plans: Catastrophic health plans for students have low monthly premiums with high deductibles. These are ideal for healthy students with few medical needs.
- Short-term health plans: Short-term health plans provide coverage for up to six months. These healthcare plans are suitable for students only seeking coverage during the Indiana school year.
- Employer-sponsored health plans: Students in Indiana who work while attending school may find healthcare through an employer.
- Private insurance plans: Indiana offers private insurance off-exchange directly through brokers or insurance agents.
Benefits of student health insurance
There are numerous advantages for students in Indiana to get health insurance coverage. Knowing you have coverage for an unexpected injury or illness provides peace of mind. You also have access to resources and information to keep you healthy.
One of the most significant benefits is protection from high medical expenses. And health services can be restrictive if you don’t have a health insurance plan.
Rules For Indiana Health Insurance For Students
Dependency rules in Indiana state children can stay on a parent’s plan until age 26. There may be additional rules determining dependency eligibility. You can check with the Indiana State Department of Insurance or your parent’s insurance carrier.
Many student health plans allow coverage all year, not just while you’re at school. School-sponsored plans in Indiana may only cover you while you’re at school. Indiana doesn’t have its own Marketplace, so insurance rules follow federal regulations.
Did the state implement the ACA’s Medicaid expansion?
Indiana implemented the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion plan. It’s called the Healthy Indiana Plan. It’s available to Indiana residents between 19 and 64 years of age. Eligibility depends on household income; to qualify, you must be less than 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Indiana ACA Open Enrollment dates
If you buy a student health plan through the Marketplace, you must do so during the Open Enrollment Period. It runs from November 1 to January 15 each year in Indiana. A qualifying event is necessary for special enrollment outside of the period, like marriage or the birth of a baby.
Are health insurance subsidies available?
Health insurance subsidies are available for students with incomes below certain levels. Examples of subsidized coverage are Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These subsidies provide low or no-cost health coverage.
What To Consider When Choosing Indiana Student Health Insurance Plans
You have a lot to consider when weighing the pros and cons of student health insurance in Indiana. Here are some questions you may ask and what factors to examine:
Are you going to school in-state or out-of-state?
Students in Indiana can stay on a parent’s plan whether attending school in-state or out-of-state. However, if you’re attending out-of-state, look for network providers in your area. You should also ensure your plan covers the health services you may need.
Are you considered someone’s dependent?
Your parent or guardian may claim you as a dependent. As a dependent, you can’t take advantage of available subsidies. Your parents or guardian does not have to claim you as a dependent.
Are you going to stay on your parent’s health insurance plan or enroll on your own?
In Indiana, students may opt to stay on a parent’s plan since it’s easier than looking for something else. However, you may find better coverage through a student school plan. There may also be more affordable coverage through a Marketplace or Medicaid plan.
What type of student health insurance plans are cheaper?
Comparing types of plans and insurance companies to find the cheapest plan would be best. More affordable student health plans don’t always offer the best coverage options. So it’s essential to understand your medical needs before buying a plan.
What student health plans offer the best coverage?
Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant plans tend to have the most comprehensive coverage. They have specific rules to follow, including offering particular medical benefits. But insurance plans can vary, so compare prices across multiple insurance carriers.
What happens if you don’t have student health insurance coverage?
Healthcare is essential in most cases to avoid high medical costs. Some Indiana colleges require proof of health insurance for admission. Health insurance isn’t necessary by law, so you can go without coverage.
How To Get Indiana Student Health Insurance Coverage
If you’re buying your own student health plan, you can purchase through the Health Insurance Marketplace. These plans cover essential health benefits, including hospitalization, mental health services, and prescription drugs. There are other ways to get student health insurance in Indiana.
How to get coverage on your parent’s health insurance plan
If your parents already have an existing medical plan, they can add you. You can stay on their plan until you turn 26, even if you aren’t residing with them. Knowing what your parent’s plan covers and whether it meets your needs while at school is helpful.
Getting health insurance from your school
If you choose a plan from your college or university, look to the school’s health department. Most Indiana schools offer an ACA-compliant plan, and you can use student loans to pay for your school health plan.
Some specific Indiana schools provide the following:
- Indiana University’s Bloomington campus offers access to lower-cost medical care. There are other services available at the Student Health Center.
- The school health insurance plan at the University of Notre Dame covers 100% of services. It’s provided by University Health Services (UHS).
- You need to provide proof of health insurance to attend DePauw University. You can provide a waiver if you already have health coverage. If you aren’t covered, DePauw automatically enrolls you in its plan.
Getting student health insurance coverage through the ACA
You can sign up for an ACA plan through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. You must do so during the Open Enrollment Period. Check if you qualify for healthcare tax credits or subsidies to help lower your premium.
Getting student health insurance coverage from Medicaid
The program for Indiana Medicaid offers healthcare assistance to residents with low income or disabilities. You can apply online to find out if you’re eligible. The state has a Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), part of the Hoosier Healthwise Program, offering coverage up to age 19. You may qualify if your income is too high for Medicaid eligibility.
What are other student health insurance options available in Indiana?
You could buy a catastrophic student health plan in Indiana. Catastrophic plans have high deductibles, so you end up paying more out-of-pocket.
Short-term health plans also offer basic health coverage for a set amount of time (typically six months). They can cover up to 364 days or less, and you can renew for up to 3 years. They cost less than traditional plans but don’t follow ACA rules or cover preexisting conditions.
Cheapest Student Health Insurance Plans In Indiana
The cost of student health plans in Indiana varies. Insurance carriers examine your age and how much coverage you need to determine costs. These are some of the cheapest plans for students in Indiana.
Cheapest health insurance for students with low out-of-pocket maximums
Students may benefit from a higher premium with low out-of-pocket maximums for higher medical needs. Frequent doctor visits or prescription drugs can get coverage from your insurance company sooner.
The cheapest plan in Indiana comes from Ambetter Secure Care 15. These high premiums run close to $600 on average per month.
Cheapest student insurance plan with high out-of-pocket maximums
Younger, healthier students in Indiana can opt for a low-cost plan with high out-of-pocket maximums. These plans have high costs in the event of an emergency but offer cheaper monthly premiums.
The most affordable plan comes from CareSource Marketplace Bronze. The average cost is around $260 per month.
Cheapest student health insurance plan with an HSA option
Medical coverage with a health savings account (HSA) is helpful in emergencies. You contribute pre-tax savings to cover medical needs like prescription drugs, hospitalization, and more.
The cheapest plan in Indiana with an HSI option is the CareSource Marketplace HSA Eligible Bronze. The average premium is around $360 per month.
Cheapest HMO/EPO/POS health insurance plans available for students
The Indiana market offers Healthcare Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Point-of-Service (POS) student health plans.
HMO plans need you to stick to your network provider. You also need referrals for using specialists. EPOs are similar, except you don’t need a referral. The POS plans are flexible, but out-of-network services can be costly.
The most affordable plans in Indiana for these health insurance plans are the CareSource Marketplace Low Premium and Ambetter Balanced Care 29. They cost an average of $390 and $435 per month, respectively.
FAQs
Can students buy health insurance in Indiana?
Students can buy health insurance in Indiana through the Marketplace during open enrollment. Students can also opt to stay on a parent’s plan or purchase a low-cost Medicaid plan.
How much is student health insurance in Indiana per month?
The average health insurance premium in Indiana for students runs around $400 per month. Depending on the type of coverage, deductible, and other factors, the cost can vary.
Does Indiana University offer health insurance?
Indiana University offers a wide range of medical services through its Student Health Center. The average cost of the Bloomington campus plan for reduced-cost care is around $122.54 per semester.
How long can you stay on your parent’s insurance in Indiana?
It may be easy to stay on a parent’s plan when going off to school in Indiana. You can remain on a parent’s medical plan until age 26.
What is the average cost of student health insurance in Indiana?
The cost of student health insurance in Indiana varies. It depends on where you get a plan (school, parent, Marketplace) and the coverage you need.
What are some student health insurance providers in Indiana?
There are plenty of options for student health insurance in Indiana. The state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is part of the Hoosier Healthwise Program for students up to age 19. If you’re over 19 or don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may be eligible for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP).
Finding Student Health Insurance In Indiana
A health insurance plan may not be required, but it’s necessary for students in Indiana who want medical coverage. You never know when a medical emergency, injury, or illness may occur. Use our online quote tool to find student health insurance in Indiana.
