Exploring the New Indiana Medicaid Waiver Dashboard

If you or a loved one is waiting for services through Indiana’s Health and Wellness Waiver or PathWays Waiver, there’s a new tool you should know about: the Online HCBS Waitlist Dashboard. As elder law attorneys serving families in Indiana, we understand the confusion and concern that often comes with waiting for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). This new dashboard, released by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), is a helpful step toward more transparency and communication during the wait.

New Waiver Dashboard Keeps Medicaid Applicants Informed of Spot on Waitlist

🖥️ What Is the Waitlist Dashboard?

The Online HCBS Waitlist Dashboard is a new online resource that allows individuals, families, and advocates to:- Confirm whether someone is on the waiver waitlist- Verify the accuracy of their contact information- Check which waiver(s) they are listed under: Health and Wellness, PathWays, or Family Supports- Contact FSSA if updates or corrections are needed. You can access it here: https://ddrsprovider.fssa.in.gov/ConsumerInfo To use the dashboard, you’ll need:- The individual’s first and last name- Date of birth- Either the last 4 digits of their Social Security number or their Medicaid RID number.

🧭 How the Indiana Medicaid Waiver Waitlist Works

Indiana has limited capacity for waiver services. For the current waiver year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), the state has:- 16,127 slots for the Health and Wellness Waiver (for individuals under age 60)- 39,842 slots for the PathWays Waiver (for individuals aged 60+)When capacity is reached, a waitlist is implemented. People are invited off the waitlist monthly depending on:1. Priority status (e.g., discharging from a hospital, transitioning from a nursing facility or CHOICE program)2. Original Level of Care (LOC) assessment date – the earlier your date, the sooner you're likely to be invited. Important: The waitlist is not “first come, first served.” Priority groups are invited first, and the rest are invited based on their LOC date.

📬 How Do You Know When You're Invited Off the Waitlist?

You will receive:- A letter in the mail from FSSA and a call from your Area Agency on Aging (AAA). For northeast Indiana, that AAA is: Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana (Fort Wayne)

📅 Real-World Example: How the Waitlist Plays Out

Let’s say three people join the waiting list in the summer:

- Kurt (joined May 2024, LOC date: 4/30/2024)

- Terry (joined June 2024, LOC date: 12/2/2023)

- Jane (joined July 2024, discharging from a nursing facility)In August 2024:

Jane is invited first because she qualifies as a priority case.- Terry is invited because his LOC date falls within the current invitation range.- Kurt is not yet invited—his LOC date is later.

FSSA does not provide exact rankings or dates when you will be invited. But they do publish the most recent LOC date invited each month, which can help you estimate your timeline.

✅ Tips for Families

1. Check the Dashboard Monthly   - Make sure your contact info is up to date so you don’t miss your invitation letter.

2. Know the Difference Between Functional and Financial Eligibility   - Functional eligibility = based on care needs (bathing, dressing, mobility)   - Medicaid eligibility = based on financial need   - Both are required to qualify for waiver services, and Troyer & Good can help you meet the financial eligibility.

3. Reach Out to Your AAA   - They can confirm your original LOC assessment date and explain your next steps if invited.

4. Apply for Medicaid Now   - If you're not already enrolled, apply while on the waitlist. You’ll need to be Medicaid-eligible by the time you're invited, and our elder law attorneys can assist you with eligibility.

Final Thoughts

The launch of this online dashboard is a welcome improvement for Indiana families navigating the Medicaid Waiver process. It empowers you with access, clarity, and updates as you wait for vital home and community-based services.

As always, if you need help with Medicaid planning or a Waiver application, feel free to reach out to our office at 260-440-3241. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.