Indiana Medicaid while in jail or prison: suspended while in custody; apply before release

Indiana statewide · Checked 2026-10-28

Get these first

in custody (jail or prison) in Indiana

Still inside? Ask jail or prison staff to start your Indiana Application for Health Coverage early enough to be decided before your release date (it can take up to 45 days).
The county sheriff can act as your authorized representative for the application.
Released suddenly with immediate medical or prescription needs? The FAQ allows presumptive eligibility through a qualified provider for that case only (Indiana Medicaid right away: presumptive eligibility at a hospital, clinic or doctor's office).
Otherwise after release: apply for full coverage (FSSA Benefits Portal or 800-403-0864; Indiana Medicaid right away: presumptive eligibility at a hospital, clinic or doctor's office for who can grant presumptive eligibility).

What you can get: Members’ Medicaid coverage will be suspended while they are in custody. Official source
Who can get it: Inmates are expected to complete the same Indiana Application for Health Coverage as any Indiana resident. Official source
What to bring: The FSSA will require documentation verifying citizenship or immigration status. Official source
How to apply: The application should be started early enough that an offender’s Medicaid eligibility can be determined prior to the offender’s release date. Official source
Where to apply: This option should be used only for inmates who are released suddenly and have immediate medical or prescription needs. Official source
Who decides: The law allows the county sheriff to act as an offender’s authorized representative when the offender is applying for Medicaid. Official source
How fast they decide: The application can take up to 45 days from the date of submission to be completely processed. Official source
Keep your benefits during an appeal: Not confirmed yet