💸 Indiana Health Insurance Premiums Are Rising — Here’s How to Protect Your Wallet and Your Health
- Eric Han
- Nov 3
- 3 min read
As open enrollment season approaches, many Hoosiers are bracing for another year of higher health insurance costs. While premiums have been increasing nationwide, new data show that Indiana residents may soon face some of the steepest hikes yet — even as coverage remains largely the same.
📈 Indiana vs. the National Picture
According to recent reports, health insurance premiums for individual marketplace plans in Indiana are expected to increase by 21–43% in 2026, depending on the insurer. This comes after several years of steady rises in both employer-sponsored and individual plans.
While Indiana’s premiums have traditionally hovered close to the national average, affordability remains a major issue. Even when premiums are similar to those in other states, out-of-pocket expenses for Hoosiers are higher — averaging about $3,155 per year, compared to $2,710 nationally.
In other words: Hoosiers are paying nearly the same premiums as everyone else, but digging deeper into their wallets when they actually need care.
💡 Why Are Costs Rising?
Several forces are driving these increases:
Hospital and healthcare costs continue to climb due to inflation, staffing shortages, and increased demand.
Prescription drug prices are at record highs, and specialty medications now make up a large share of insurance spending.
Administrative complexity — prior authorizations, billing, and claims processing — adds enormous overhead to the system.
Delayed care during the pandemic has led to more expensive, late-stage diagnoses and treatments.
Even with these higher premiums, most patients report feeling less covered. Many face narrower provider networks, higher deductibles, and longer wait times for care.
🧾 The Indiana Reality: High Deductibles, Higher Burden
Nearly two-thirds of Indiana employees (64%) are enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) — significantly above the national average. These plans often come with lower monthly premiums, but require thousands of dollars out of pocket before coverage begins.
That means even “insured” patients are paying cash for most routine or preventive services. For many families, this model has become unpredictable and unsustainable.
💬 What You Can Do During Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is your opportunity to rethink your healthcare strategy — not just your insurance. Here are some steps to help you make the most of your coverage:
Compare plan details carefully. Don’t just look at the premium — review the deductible, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Check your provider network. If you prefer a specific doctor or practice, confirm they’re included — or consider models that work outside insurance.
Consider a high-deductible plan paired with Direct Primary Care (DPC). For many people, this combination offers the best of both worlds: lower insurance premiums plus predictable, accessible care for day-to-day needs.
Use your Health Savings Account (HSA). If you have an HDHP, your HSA funds can often be used toward DPC membership fees, labs, and prescriptions.
Focus on prevention. Staying ahead of health problems is always cheaper (and healthier) than treating them later.
🩺 The Bottom Line
Health insurance premiums are climbing again, and out-of-pocket costs in Indiana are rising even faster. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck.
By thinking differently about how you access care — and choosing models that emphasize prevention, transparency, and accessibility — you can protect both your wallet and your well-being.
🌿 How Direct Primary Care (DPC) Helps
Our membership-based Direct Primary Care model at Woodside Internal Medicine is designed to give patients the care they deserve — without the red tape or hidden costs.
Here’s what that means for you:
Transparent pricing: One predictable monthly or annual fee covers your visits, communication, and coordination of care.
No copays or surprise bills: You’ll never get a confusing insurance statement or unexpected charge.
Direct access to your doctor: Message us directly or schedule same- or next-day visits when you need us.
Preventive and personalized care: We spend the time to understand your health goals and keep you well, not just treat illness.
Many of our members pair their DPC membership with a catastrophic or high-deductible insurance plan — reducing their overall healthcare spending while ensuring full coverage for major medical events.
📍 Serving Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, and Indianapolis, IN
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