Indiana Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in Indiana.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
Processing Time
30-45 days for institutional Medicaid, 45-90 days for waiver programs
Indiana Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Indiana, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). Indiana follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,982/month
Married Couple (One Applying)
$2,982/month per applicant
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,000
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$162,660 (community spouse)
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
Indiana Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $8,800/month average (the average monthly nursing home cost in Indiana).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in Indiana
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in Indiana once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $8,800/month average. Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
Indiana PathWays for Aging Waiver (Assisted Living Services): Indiana's waivers allow qualified individuals to receive services in assisted living facilities. The waiver covers care services but does not pay for room and board. Facilities cannot charge Medicaid participants more than $994/month for room and board (2026 SSI rate cap).
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Indiana offers 3 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Indiana PathWays for Aging Waiver
Serves individuals age 60+ who meet nursing facility level of care. Provides adult day services, assisted living, attendant care, case management, home-delivered meals, personal emergency response system, and other supportive services. Split from the Aged and Disabled Waiver on July 1, 2024.
Program Details →Health and Wellness Waiver
Serves individuals age 59 and younger who would otherwise require nursing facility care. Provides comprehensive services including adult day services, assisted living, attendant care, and health care coordination. Split from the Aged and Disabled Waiver on July 1, 2024.
Program Details →Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver
Provides home and community-based services to individuals of all ages with traumatic brain injury who would require institutional care. Services include adult day services, behavior management, assisted living, attendant care, and specialized equipment.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in Indiana
Indiana Medicaid applications typically take 30-45 days for institutional Medicaid, 45-90 days for waiver programs. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in Indiana through:
- Online at https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/home-and-community-based-services-waivers/
- Call 1-800-403-0864
- In-person at local Division of Family Resources office
- Through nursing facility social worker
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in Indiana from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
Indiana-Specific Programs and Resources
Hoosier Healthwise
Indiana's Medicaid managed care program providing comprehensive health coverage including dental and vision for eligible low-income families, pregnant women, children, and individuals with disabilities.
Learn MoreNeed Help with Indiana Medicaid?
Contact Indiana Family and Social Services Administration for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.