Be Ready For HIP Work Requirements

Lookback Period Begins October 1

Some Indiana Medicaid members enrolled in the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) will need to meet new work requirements to keep their health coverage. The new rule requires some adults ages 19-64 to complete 80 hours a month of approved activities, starting January 1, 2027, with a look-back period to October.

What Are the HIP Requirements?

  • Working
  • Attending school at least half time
  • Participating in an apprenticeship
  • Participating in an approved work program or job training
  • Volunteering in the community

Members can combine different activities to reach 80 hours a month.

Who Has to Meet the Requirements?

Members ages 19–64 who do not qualify for an exemption. Exemptions are:

  • Medically frail or have special medical needs, including:
    • Being blind or having a disability
    • Having a substance use disorder
    • Having a serious mental health condition
    • Having a serious physical, intellectual or developmental disability
    • Having another serious or complex medical condition
  • Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program
  • Pregnant or within 12 months after the end of a pregnancy
  • Parents or caregivers of a child age 13 or younger
  • Caregivers of someone with a disability
  • Under age 26 and formerly in foster care
  • Members of a federally recognized Tribe
  • Veterans with a 100% disability rating
  • People in jail or prison, or recently released
  • Following the work requirements for SNAP or TANF

When Do the Work Requirements Begin?

Work requirement enforcement starts January 1, 2027. However, the state will look at previous months when determining whether someone meets the requirements.

For people applying for HIP in January 2027, the state will look at October, November and December 2026. For existing members, the requirements will be reviewed as part of the new process associated with their renewal.

That means it’s important to start preparing now rather than waiting until January.

What Should I Do Now?

  • Stay engaged in mental health or substance use treatment
  • Keep your Medicaid contact information up to date
  • Reply to any requests from Medicaid right away
  • Save records of work, school, volunteer activities or treatment participation
  • Talk with your therapist, case manager or treatment team if you believe you may qualify for an exemption

Where Can I Find Help?

f you have questions, contact your Oaklawn provider at 574-533-1234 or your local FSSA office.

Learn more about HIP work requirements and exemptions from FSSA.