Indiana’s Medicaid Pathways Waiver Waiting List: Alternatives and Resources While You Wait

In April 2024, FSSA, Indiana's state Medicaid agency, reached its federally approved waiver capacity and introduced a waiting list for its in-home Pathways waiver services. Current waiting times may range from 1 to 2 years, although they may vary depending on individual circumstances.

To get assessed for the Medicaid Waiver, contact Maximus at 833-597-2777.  More information is available here: FSSA: DDARS: HCBS Medicaid Waiver Waiting List Information.

Individuals are invited from the waiting list each month in the following order:

1. These individuals receive priority for targeted waiver invitations each month:

Discharge from a Hospital

If someone on the waiver waiting list is hospitalized, they may qualify for priority placement. Contact Aging & In-Home Services or our office as soon as possible to discuss eligibility for priority processing.

Money Follows the Person (MFP)

MFP helps nursing home residents (who have been there at least 60 days) transition to in-home care. This program can expedite access to in-home waiver services and follows the same eligibility guidelines as the Pathways waiver. Learn more at in.gov/fssa/ddars/bba/medicaid-hcbs/money-follows-the-person.

CHOICE (Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled) Program

The CHOICE program is for individuals aged 60+ or those with disabilities who are at risk of losing their independence. Eligibility requires assets below approximately $270,000 (excluding home). Services include attendant care, case management, transportation, home health aide and home-delivered meals, with wait times comparable to the Pathways waiver. More details are available at https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddars/bba/community-and-home-options-to-institutional-care-for-the-elderly-and-disabled/.

2. Individuals on the waiting list without a priority status receive the remaining waiver invitations based on the date the individual was assessed for a nursing facility level of care.

If you’re on the waiting list or considering applying, here are some alternative services and options to explore while you wait:

PACE of Northeast Indiana (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)

PACE, a program currently available in Allen County, provides comprehensive services including care coordination, medical care, therapy, and transportation through a partnership between Aging & In-Home Services and Parkview. It’s open to individuals who meet the same eligibility criteria as the Pathways waiver, with options for those on Medicare to privately pay ($4,500 per month). For more information, visit www.pacenein.org.

GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience)

Available at no cost to those on Medicare A & B with a dementia diagnosis or signs of cognitive impairment.  Whether through managing symptoms, offering caregiver support, or connecting participants with community resources, GUIDE ensures that those living with dementia receive the care and attention they deserve.  To learn more, call Aging & In-Home Services at 260-999-4106 or visit GUIDE: Dementia Support Covered by Medicare | agingihs.

Veteran-Directed Care Program

The Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) Program is a VA initiative that gives Veterans greater control over their long-term care. The program helps Veterans stay in their homes and communities by providing a flexible budget to purchase the goods and services they need to maintain independence, including the option to hire, train, and supervise their own caregivers.  More details at https://www.agingihs.org/veteran-directed-care.