Indiana Medicaid provides certain waiver services for those needing Medicaid care but wishing to stay at home or in an assisted living facility, like an intermediate care facility (ICF). These Medicaid services are known as Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). For seniors over 60 years of age, Indiana provides the PathWays for Aging Medicaid Waiver for those who need a nursing facility level of care. Additionally, services are available for children and adults with developmental disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, and mental health challenges. There is also a traumatic brain injury waiver. Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities are provided by the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS). Financial eligibility requirements for Indiana families and children are often based on parental income.
The PathWays for Aging Waiver provides many in-person services not covered by Medicare, including day habilitation, attendant care, respite care, specialized medical equipment, home delivered meals, adult day services, vehicle modifications, and home modifications. This Indiana Medicaid waiver also covers many types of therapy, including language therapy, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy. Because care services take place in-home, there is higher community integration than in facility based support. In-home care allows for better self-directed care, health care coordination, case management, and general wellness.
Hoosiers seeking enrollment under this HCBS waiver must meet the financial Medicaid eligibility requirements for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled Waiver. However, after the application process is completed, most Medicaid waiver programs have a waiting list to receive support services. These people may choose to enter a nursing facility instead. For long-term care in a nursing home, however, Medicaid waiver services are not available and vendor Medicaid must be utilized for care services.