Many older adults and individuals with disabilities want to remain safely in their own homes for as long as possible. One of the first questions families ask is whether Indiana Medicaid pays for home care, who qualifies, and how to apply for services.
The short answer is yes. Depending on a person’s eligibility, Indiana Medicaid may cover a variety of home and community-based services that allow individuals to receive care at home instead of moving to a nursing facility. [1]
This guide explains how Indiana Medicaid home care works, who may qualify, what services may be covered, how to apply, and what to expect throughout the process.
1. Does Indiana Medicaid Cover Home Care?
Yes. Indiana Medicaid offers programs that may cover in-home care services for eligible individuals who need assistance because of age, disability, or certain medical conditions. These programs are designed to help people remain safely and independently in their homes whenever possible, rather than receiving care in an institutional setting. [1]
The two primary Medicaid-funded pathways to home care are outlined below.
Indiana PathWays for Aging
Who is it for? [1]
Adults 60 years of age and older who:
- Qualify for Indiana Medicaid.
- Require long-term services and supports.
- Can safely receive care at home or in the community.
Services may include: [1]
- Personal care
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Homemaker services
- Respite care
- Adult day services
- Home-delivered meals
- Transportation
- Home modifications
- Other Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Health & Wellness Waiver
Who is it for? [2]
Individuals under age 60 who:
- Qualify for Indiana Medicaid.
- Have a qualifying disability or medical condition.
- Meet the required level of care determined through an assessment.
- Can safely receive services at home or in the community instead of an institutional setting.
Services may include: [2]
- Personal care
- Attendant care
- Homemaker services
- Respite care
- Specialized medical equipment
- Home accessibility modifications
- Other approved Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
To learn more about eligibility requirements and available programs, visit our Home Care Covered by Indiana Medicaid page.
2. What Home Care Services May Be Covered?
While covered services vary depending on the individual’s needs and care plan, Indiana Medicaid programs may include support with: [1][2]
- Personal care and hygiene
- Bathing and dressing
- Toileting assistance
- Meal preparation
- Medication reminders
- Mobility and transfers
- Light housekeeping
- Companionship and supervision
- Respite care
- Adult day services
- Home-delivered meals
- Transportation to covered medical appointments
- Home modifications
- Personal emergency response systems
- Specialized medical equipment
The services an individual receives are based on their assessment and personalized care plan.
To learn more about the support we provide, explore our Indiana Home Care Services.
3. Who May Qualify?
Eligibility for Indiana Medicaid home care generally involves both financial and functional requirements.
Depending on the program, applicants may need to: [1][3]
- Be eligible for Indiana Medicaid.
- Meet applicable income and asset requirements.
- Require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or mobility.
- Demonstrate that home and community-based services are appropriate for their needs.
The program an individual qualifies for often depends on their age and circumstances.
Indiana PathWays for Aging
PathWays for Aging primarily serves individuals who: [1]
- Are 60 years of age or older.
- Qualify for full Indiana Medicaid benefits.
- Require long-term services and supports that can be safely provided at home or in the community.
Health & Wellness Waiver
Individuals under age 60 with qualifying disabilities may receive home care services through Indiana’s Health & Wellness Waiver if they: [2][3]
- Meet Indiana Medicaid eligibility requirements.
- Have a qualifying disability or medical condition.
- Meet the required level of care determined through an assessment.
- Can safely receive services in a home or community setting instead of an institutional setting.
If you’re unsure which program may apply to you or your loved one, contact our team. We’ll help you understand the available options and discuss the next steps based on your specific situation.
4. How Is Eligibility Determined?
Receiving Indiana Medicaid alone does not automatically qualify someone for home care services.
In addition to meeting financial eligibility requirements, applicants must typically complete an assessment to determine whether they qualify for long-term home and community-based services. While the assessment process varies depending on the Medicaid program, it generally evaluates factors such as:
- Physical health
- Ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Mobility and safety at home
- Cognitive functioning
- Medical conditions and ongoing care needs
- The overall level of care required
For Indiana PathWays for Aging
Individuals age 60 and older participate in an assessment that helps determine whether they require long-term services and supports and what services may be appropriate based on their needs. [1]
For the Health & Wellness Waiver
Individuals under age 60 with qualifying disabilities complete an assessment through Indiana’s waiver process to determine whether they meet the required level of care and are eligible for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). [2]
Meeting these functional eligibility requirements helps determine whether home and community-based services are appropriate and which services may be included in an individual’s care plan. [1][2]
5. How Do You Apply?
The process generally includes the following steps:
- Apply for Indiana Medicaid if not already enrolled.
- Complete any required financial eligibility review.
- Participate in a functional assessment.
- Work with a care coordinator or service coordinator.
- Receive an individualized care plan if approved.
- Select a qualified home care provider.
Choosing an experienced provider early can help make the transition smoother once services are approved. Learn more about how Guardian Home Care of IN supports families throughout the process.
6. Can Family Members Be Paid Caregivers?
Some Indiana Medicaid programs include options that allow certain family members to provide care under approved arrangements.
Eligibility depends on the specific Medicaid program, the individual’s needs, applicable program requirements, and whether the caregiver meets qualification criteria. Not every family caregiver situation qualifies for compensation.[1][2]
If becoming a paid caregiver is important for your family, speak with our team about the caregiver support options that may be available.
7. How Long Does Approval Take?
Approval timelines vary depending on each person’s situation. Factors that may affect the process include: [1][2]
- Completing the Medicaid application
- Providing requested documentation
- Scheduling assessments
- Determining financial eligibility
- Determining functional eligibility
- Care planning and service coordination
Some families complete the process relatively quickly, while others may require additional time if more documentation or assessments are needed.
8. How Guardian Home Care of IN Can Help
Navigating Indiana Medicaid can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already caring for a loved one.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore home care or have already started the Medicaid application process, Guardian Home Care of Indiana can help you understand your options, explain the available programs, and guide you through the next steps.
Our team works with families every day to answer questions, explain eligibility requirements, and help individuals receive the care they need while remaining safely at home whenever possible.
Contact Guardian Home Care of Indiana today to discuss your situation and learn how we may be able to help.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Does Indiana Medicaid pay for home care?
Yes. Eligible individuals may receive home care services through Indiana Medicaid programs, including Indiana PathWays for Aging and the Health & Wellness Waiver, depending on their age, eligibility, and care needs. [1][2]
Who qualifies for Indiana Medicaid home care?
Eligibility generally depends on financial qualifications, functional eligibility, and the individual’s need for assistance with activities of daily living. The specific Medicaid program depends largely on the person’s age and circumstances. [1][2][3]
How long does it take to get approved?
Approval timelines vary depending on Medicaid eligibility, documentation, assessments, and care planning. Every situation is unique. [1][2]
Can family members get paid to care for a loved one?
Some Indiana Medicaid programs allow certain family caregivers to receive compensation if program requirements are met. Eligibility varies by program and individual circumstances. [1][2]
What home care services are usually covered?
Depending on the individual’s care plan, covered services may include personal care, homemaker services, respite care, meal preparation, transportation, and assistance with activities of daily living. [1][2]
References & Resources
[1] Indiana PathWays for Aging Frequently Asked Questions: Official guidance explaining eligibility, enrollment, functional assessments, covered Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), care coordination, and long-term services and supports available through Indiana PathWays for Aging.
[2] Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) – Medicaid Strategies: Official information about Indiana Medicaid long-term care programs, including the Health & Wellness Waiver, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), and PathWays for Aging.
[3] Indiana Medicaid Eligibility Guide: Official overview of Indiana Medicaid financial eligibility requirements and program eligibility for older adults and individuals with disabilities.