INDIANA — The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is stepping up statewide outreach efforts as it prepares members, providers, and community partners for the upcoming Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) Work Requirements set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
The state initiative aims to ensure HIP members understand the upcoming monthly 80-hour work, education, or qualifying community engagement expectation, along with reporting procedures and available exemptions.
Key Guidelines and Updated Rules
FSSA released newly updated guidance addressing common member questions regarding compliance, tracking, and exemptions:
- The 80-Hour or Income Rule: Members can meet the requirement by completing 80 hours of qualifying monthly activity or by earning at least $580 per month (calculated as federal minimum wage multiplied by 80 hours).
- 3-Month Lookback Periods: For new HIP applicants, eligibility lookbacks cover the three months prior to application. For existing members, reviews occur during the three months preceding their annual renewal month or quarterly review.
- Education & Online Learning: Coursework taken through accredited higher education institutions, high schools, or GED programs qualifies, whether completed in-person or online.
- Self-Employment & Investment Income: Self-employed individuals can verify compliance using annual tax returns or business documentation. Any taxable income counted under Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) budgeting—including Social Security or investment returns—counts toward meeting the monthly earnings threshold.
- Medical Frailty Status: FSSA is finalizing specific medical frailty exemption criteria alongside the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to determine conditions that significantly impair a member’s ability to participate.
Pre-Screening Tool and Partner Resources Released
To assist members in determining their individual status ahead of the deadline, FSSA launched the HIP Work Requirements Pre-Screening Tool. The online tool evaluates user input regarding potential exemptions, health factors, employment, and income to give immediate feedback on whether work requirements will apply to them.
Additionally, FSSA released a digital Partner Toolkit containing posters, handouts, social media graphics, and instructional videos to assist local organizations and community groups in spreading awareness.
Statewide Public Town Halls
In partnership with Covering Kids & Families, FSSA is hosting a series of public town hall meetings to discuss the changes in detail:
- Indianapolis: Sept. 21, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET (Indiana Government Center South, Conference Room A)
- South Bend: Sept. 24, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. ET (South Bend Technology Resource Center, Community Common Space)
- Sellersburg: Oct. 1, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET (Ivy Tech Sellersburg, Ogle Building, Room 179)
- Valparaiso: Oct. 8, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. CT (Ivy Tech Valparaiso, Community Center Room D125)
Additional informational town halls will be announced throughout the coming year as the Jan. 1, 2027 implementation date approaches. Members can submit reporting and review requirements directly through the online Benefits Portal.
