Indiana State Guide for Medicaid Home Care Coverage Made Simple
Learn how Indiana Medicaid supports in-home dementia care, offering families peace of mind, financial relief, and compassionate daily assistance.
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Tendly Home Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick summary of how Indiana Medicaid supports in-home dementia care:
- 🏠 Indiana Medicaid offers in-home care services to eligible individuals with dementia, helping them remain in familiar surroundings while receiving the daily assistance they need.
- 💸 Programs like Aged & Disabled Waiver provide financial relief by covering home health aides, personal care, and even minor home modifications for safety and accessibility.
- 👨👩👧 Caregivers can receive support too, including respite care services, guidance, and training—ensuring families aren’t navigating dementia caregiving alone.
- 🧾 Eligibility is based on income, assets, and care needs, but Medicaid planning resources are available to help families meet requirements and access these benefits.
- ❤️ The goal is compassionate, person-centered care, giving loved ones both peace of mind and practical help in managing dementia within the comfort of home.
When someone you love needs extra help to live safely and independently at home, emotions often run high. You want the best care possible—something comfortable, familiar, and dignified. But you might also be overwhelmed by the costs of in-home support. If you're in Indiana and exploring how to care for a loved one, the good news is that Medicaid can be a lifeline. The challenge? Understanding how to qualify, what’s covered, and how to navigate the process can feel like decoding a foreign language.
This guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through Indiana’s Medicaid programs for home care, answering common questions and providing the clarity families need. Whether you're a caregiver, adult child, or concerned spouse, you deserve support—and this guide aims to give you just that, with clarity, compassion, and guidance you can trust.
Indiana Medicaid is a state-run program, funded jointly by the state and federal government, designed to provide medical coverage for individuals with low income or specific health needs. One of its key offerings is financial support for long-term care, including care provided at home. This is especially vital for seniors and people with disabilities who want to remain in their communities instead of moving into a nursing facility.
The traditional image of long-term care might involve nursing homes, but today's preferences are shifting. National studies show over 75% of adults 50 and older prefer to age in place, maintaining their routines and independence. Indiana acknowledges this strong preference by offering robust home- and community-based services (HCBS) under its Medicaid programs.
Within Indiana’s Medicaid structure, home care services are made available through several targeted initiatives. The most significant of these is the Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver. This waiver allows Medicaid-eligible individuals to receive care services where they live, rather than only in institutional settings.
The A&D Waiver covers a broad range of in-home services, including:
- Personal care assistance (help with bathing, dressing, grooming)
- Homemaker services
- Home-delivered meals
- Respite services for unpaid caregivers
- Skilled nursing
- Case management
- Assistive technology
By offering these services, Indiana’s Medicaid program not only supports individuals in need but also eases the burden on families making daily sacrifices. The state's goal is simple but powerful: help residents live with dignity and receive appropriate care where they’re most comfortable—their homes.
But qualifying for and accessing these programs takes planning and knowledge. From income limits to assessing medical needs, there are specific steps each family must take. Understanding those requirements is the first step toward peace of mind.
To qualify for Medicaid home care in Indiana, individuals must meet certain financial and medical eligibility requirements. These are designed to ensure that assistance goes to residents who truly need help managing the basic tasks of daily life due to age, disability, or chronic illness.
Financial Eligibility
Income limits for long-term care Medicaid programs vary slightly each year, typically following federal guidelines. As of 2024, the monthly income limit for an individual is around $2,829 and $5,658 for a married couple when both spouses are applying. Asset limits usually cap at $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a married couple. However, some exceptions and planning strategies can help families retain more assets while still qualifying—especially through mechanisms like Medicaid Spend Down or setting up a Miller Trust (also known as a Qualified Income Trust).
It’s important to note that Indiana offers spousal impoverishment protections. These laws allow the "community spouse" (the one not applying for Medicaid) to keep a portion of the couple’s joint assets and income to maintain financial stability. If you're a married couple navigating eligibility, understanding these protections can be incredibly reassuring.
Medical Eligibility
Financial qualification is just one piece of the puzzle. Applicants also undergo a medical assessment to determine their “Level of Care” needs. This evaluation is coordinated by the Division of Aging through an Area Agency on Aging (AAA). To qualify for the A&D Waiver, an individual must demonstrate that they require a nursing-facility level of care, even if they prefer to receive that care at home.
The assessment considers factors such as:
- Ability to perform “Activities of Daily Living” (ADLs) like bathing, toileting, eating, and walking
- Cognitive impairments such as those caused by Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Chronic medical conditions that require supervision or medical attention
If you're unsure whether your loved one qualifies, local AAAs are a fantastic starting point. They can offer free assessments and help guide families through the enrollment process.
Remember, every person’s situation is unique. Don’t assume you or your loved one won’t qualify—ask. Even if you’ve been told “no” in the past, a change in health status or income may make a difference now.
Indiana's Aged and Disabled Waiver is the primary gateway to in-home Medicaid support. Through this waiver, eligible residents get access to a suite of services designed to help them stay at home safely, comfortably, and with dignity.
So, what exactly does the A&D Waiver offer? Let’s break it down:
1. Personal Care Assistance
This is often the most essential service. A trained caregiver can help with key tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, meal prep, and eating. The support is flexible and tailored to the individual’s needs—perhaps a few hours a week, or daily assistance.
2. Skilled Nursing and Therapies
If your loved one has more complex medical needs, the waiver can cover skilled nursing services (like wound care or medication management) provided by licensed nurses. Occupational or physical therapy may also be included, particularly for individuals recovering from strokes or surgeries.
3. Case Management
Every waiver participant is assigned a case manager who coordinates services and ensures everything from eligibility to quality of care is properly handled. This can be a stress-reliever for families already juggling a million tasks.
4. Respite Care
Caregivers can burn out, especially when caring for loved ones full-time. Respite services allow you to take a break—whether for a few hours or overnight—while a professional steps in to provide care.
5. Home Modifications and Assistive Technology
Simple home adjustments, like grab bars or wheelchair ramps, can drastically improve safety. The waiver can also fund assistive devices such as shower chairs, medication dispensers, or communication tools for loved ones with speech impairments.
6. Transportation
In cases where the individual needs to attend medical appointments but can’t drive themselves, the waiver can cover non-emergency medical transportation.
This kind of holistic support—physical, logistical, and emotional—enables safer aging in place and strengthens families navigating difficult caregiving roles.
One real-world example: Michelle, a daughter caring for her 82-year-old mother with early-stage Alzheimer’s, used the A&D Waiver to bring in a part-time aide three days a week and install safety railings in the bathroom. This allowed her mother to remain at home longer and gave Michelle peace of mind and time to manage her own career and family.
The process of applying for Medicaid home care in Indiana can feel intimidating at first, but with the right mindset and support, families can move forward smoothly and confidently. Here's how to get started, step by step.
Step 1: Assess Eligibility Quickly with Expert Help
The first step is determining if your loved one qualifies medically and financially. The Indiana Division of Aging partners with over a dozen Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) across the state. Contact your local AAA for a free initial assessment—they’ll help evaluate care needs and explain eligibility requirements in detail.
You can find your local AAA by visiting the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) website or calling 1-800-986-3505.
Step 2: Complete the Medicaid Application
Once medical necessity is established, you’ll need to complete a financial application for Indiana Medicaid. You can do this online at FSSABenefits.IN.gov, in person at your local Division of Family Resources (DFR) office, or with the support of your case manager.
Be sure to gather documents such as:
- Proof of income (Social Security, pensions, etc.)
- Bank account statements
- Insurance policies
- Social Security Number and ID
Falsifying information or leaving blanks can delay or jeopardize your application, so aim for accuracy and thoroughness.
Step 3: Wait for Approval and Assign a Case Manager
Approval timelines vary, but most applications are processed within 45-90 days. Once approved, a case manager will develop a personalized service plan in consultation with you and your loved one. This is your blueprint for care: how often aides will come, what services are offered, and how goals can be achieved safely at home.
Step 4: Choose Your Home Care Provider
Under Indiana’s system, you can choose the approved home care agency or enrolled provider that’s best suited to your family’s needs. Some residents may qualify for “self-directed care,” meaning they can hire someone they know—like a family member or friend—to provide care, as long as they're not a legal guardian or spouse.
Step 5: Begin Services and Stay Engaged
Once services begin, check in regularly with caregivers and your case manager. Communication is key. If your loved one’s needs change, request a reassessment. Waiver services are not set in stone—they’re designed to evolve as care needs grow or diminish.
Applying may seem complex, but remember: thousands of Indiana families have already navigated this process. With perseverance, patience, and the right partnership, you can too.
When someone you cherish needs help at home, you do everything you can to make the right decisions. But balancing love, logistics, and financial burdens isn’t easy. That’s why Indiana’s Medicaid home care options exist—to relieve pressure, offer resources, and give families breathing room without sacrificing care quality.
Whether through personal aides, medical support, or respite services, programs like the Aged and Disabled Waiver are here to make “home” a safer, more sustainable place for loved ones to thrive. And while forms and eligibility rules may seem like hurdles, remember—the outcome is worth it.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Reach out to your Area Agency on Aging. Talk to a Medicaid expert. Ask questions, even difficult ones. Every step you take is an act of love—and that makes all the difference.
When home is where the heart is, Medicaid can help you keep it that way.
Frequently Asked Questions
To qualify for Medicaid home care services in Indiana, individuals must meet certain financial and medical eligibility criteria. Financially, applicants must have limited income and assets, generally under $2,742 in monthly income and $2,000 in countable assets for an individual, though these numbers may vary slightly based on household composition and current guidelines. Medically, applicants must require a level of care typically provided in a nursing facility, as determined by an assessment. Applicants must also be Indiana residents and U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens. It’s recommended to consult the state’s Medicaid website or a local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.
To be eligible for Medicaid home care services in Indiana, individuals must meet specific income and asset limits as defined by the state, and they must require a level of care typically provided in a nursing facility. Eligibility is often determined through the Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver, which assesses both financial need and medical necessity. Applicants must also be Indiana residents, U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens, and willing to receive care at home instead of in an institution. It's important to apply through the local Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) office to determine exact qualifications and start the enrollment process.
Indiana Medicaid, through its Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers like the Aged and Disabled Waiver, covers a wide range of in-home support services. These can include personal care assistance, home health aide services, skilled nursing care, case management, medical equipment, and modifications to the home for safety and accessibility. The exact services provided depend on individual needs and an approved care plan developed with a case manager. Services aim to help individuals remain safely in their homes instead of moving to a nursing facility.
To apply for Medicaid home care in Indiana, you must complete the Medicaid application through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), either online at the FSSA benefits portal, by phone, or in person at your local Division of Family Resources (DFR) office. If you're applying for home care specifically, you’ll likely be referred to complete a Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) and begin the process for the Aged and Disabled Waiver, which covers in-home care. A care manager will help assess your eligibility and create a service plan based on your health and daily living needs.
Most home care services covered by Indiana Medicaid come at no cost to the eligible recipient, but some individuals may be subject to cost-sharing depending on their income and waiver program participation. There may also be limits on the number of hours or types of services you can receive, as determined by your care plan and budget set by the Medicaid waiver. However, coverage is generally designed to fully support keeping you safely at home without out-of-pocket expenses for basic care services.
After you're approved for Indiana Medicaid home care, your case manager will offer a list of approved service providers that participate in the state’s Medicaid waiver programs. You can choose from these agencies based on availability, location, and service specialties. It’s important to select a provider that best meets your needs and preferences, and you can change providers later if necessary. Always make sure the agency is certified by Indiana Medicaid to ensure full coverage and compliance.
Dr. Alan Lee is a board-certified geriatrician specializing in neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and Lewy Body dementia. With more than two decades in clinical practice and research, Dr. Lee is a trusted authority in personalized care planning for aging adults. He serves as a medical reviewer for several national caregiving organizations and frequently lectures on aging in place and ethical dementia care.
Emily Sanders is a Dementia Practitioner and educator who trains in-home caregivers and family members in person-centered dementia care. With a background in occupational therapy and caregiver training, Emily creates practical tools and care plans that improve everyday life for people living with Alzheimer’s and related conditions. She is passionate about preserving identity, dignity, and connection in home-based settings.
Maria Torres is a social worker with a focus on elder care, family systems, and caregiver mental health. She has worked in both hospice and community health settings and currently supports family caregivers navigating long-term care decisions. Maria brings an empathetic lens to her writing and advocates for proactive planning, emotional resilience, and equitable access to home care resources.
