If you or a loved one needs long-term care in Indiana, the cost can feel overwhelming. Indiana Medicaid waiver programs — formally known as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers — pay for home care services so that eligible Hoosiers can receive professional support at home instead of in a nursing facility. This 2026 guide covers every major Indiana Medicaid waiver for home care, current eligibility rules, how to apply, and what to expect from waiting lists.
Key Takeaway: The right waiver program can mean the difference between a nursing home placement and keeping your loved one at home with quality, compassionate care from a trusted local provider like Indy In-Homecare.
2026 Indiana Medicaid Home Care — Key Numbers
- 55,969 — Total HCBS waiver slots approved for 2025–2026
- $2,982/month — 2026 income limit for HCBS waiver applicants
- $1,330/month — Standard Medicaid income limit (single applicant, effective March 2026)
- $752,000 — Home equity limit for PathWays for Aging applicants in 2026
- 5 — Active major Indiana Medicaid waivers for home and community-based care
What Are Indiana Medicaid Waiver Programs?
Indiana Medicaid waiver programs allow the state to use Medicaid funding for services provided in a person’s home or another community setting, rather than in an institution. As the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) explains, the term “waiver” refers to the state receiving federal permission to waive certain Medicaid rules — specifically the requirement that long-term care services only be funded in nursing facilities.
To qualify for any Indiana HCBS waiver, an individual must: (1) meet Medicaid financial eligibility, (2) require a nursing facility level of care, and (3) choose to receive that care at home or in the community. The cost of home-based services cannot exceed the average cost of nursing facility care.
For families across Indianapolis and throughout Indiana, understanding these programs is essential. Indy In-Homecare works directly with families to navigate the application process and begin services as quickly as possible once a waiver slot is available.
The Main Indiana Medicaid Waivers for Home Care in 2026
In 2026, Indiana operates five major Medicaid waiver programs for home care. Following the landmark 2024 restructuring that split the former Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver into two new programs, the current lineup is:
- PathWays for Aging — For Hoosiers aged 60 and older. Managed care model.
- Health & Wellness (H&W) Waiver — For individuals aged 59 and younger with a physical disability.
- Community Integration & Habilitation (CIH) Waiver — For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Family Supports Waiver (FSW) — For individuals with developmental disabilities living at home with family.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver — For adults with a traumatic brain injury who need community-based support.
PathWays for Aging — Indiana’s Medicaid Home Care Waiver for Seniors (Ages 60+)
The Indiana PathWays for Aging program is the primary Medicaid waiver for in-home care for seniors in Indiana. It launched July 1, 2024, replacing the former Aged and Disabled Waiver for everyone aged 60 and older.
Who Qualifies
- Indiana residents aged 60 and older
- Eligible for full Medicaid benefits
- Meet Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC) criteria
- Income at or below $2,982/month for HCBS applicants (2026)
- Home equity no greater than $752,000 (2026)
How It Works
Unlike traditional waivers, PathWays uses a managed care model. Once approved, individuals enroll with one of Indiana’s Managed Care Entities (MCEs). According to the PathWays for Aging FAQ, research shows that 75% or more of older adults want to age at home. Your MCE connects you with credentialed home care agencies to deliver personal care, attendant care, homemaker services, and more.
2026 Waiting List Update
According to the FSSA HCBS Waiver Waiting List page, as of February 2026 there are 11,296 seniors on the PathWays waiting list. The Family Social Services Administration (FSSA) sends monthly invitation letters as capacity opens, issuing 714 invitations in February 2026 alone. Individuals transitioning from nursing homes or inpatient hospital settings receive priority placement.
Services Covered
- Personal care and attendant care
- Structured Family Caregiving (family members, including spouses, can be paid caregivers)
- Homemaker and chore services
- Home-delivered meals
- Adult day services
- Respite care for family caregivers
Health & Wellness (H&W) Waiver — Indiana Medicaid Home Care for Adults Under 60
For Hoosiers aged 59 and younger who have a physical disability, the Health and Wellness Waiver is Indiana’s Medicaid home care program. It was created from the 2024 split of the old A&D Waiver and is administered by the Division of Disability, Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DDARS).
Who Qualifies
- Indiana residents aged 59 and younger with a physical disability
- Must meet Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC)
- Income no greater than 300% of the SSI maximum
Unlike PathWays, the H&W Waiver is a traditional fee-for-service Medicaid waiver. In 2026, attendant care has an aggregate limit of 40 hours per week. Upcoming amendments are planned for August 2026, as reported by The Arc of Indiana, and may expand available services.
Services Covered
- Attendant care (up to 40 hours/week aggregate in 2026)
- Personal care services
- Home-delivered meals
- Respite care
- Environmental home modifications
Community Integration & Habilitation (CIH) Waiver
The CIH Waiver serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who need support to live in the community. A major CMS-approved amendment (IHCP Bulletin BT202613) took effect January 1, 2026, introducing new self-directed service options, updated documentation requirements, and a mandate that all Direct Support Professionals be registered with Indiana’s HCSP Training Registry.
Important 2026 Notice: The CIH Waiver reached maximum capacity in December 2025. New slots are not expected until at least July 1, 2026. Individuals already invited to begin the process have been placed on a secondary waiting list.
Key 2026 Changes
- New self-directed service options effective January 1, 2026
- interRAI assessment system now used for level-of-care determinations (from January 1, 2026)
- DSPs must be registered with Indiana’s HCSP Training Registry to provide CIH waiver services
- At maximum capacity; new slots expected July 2026
Family Supports Waiver (FSW)
The Family Supports Waiver serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live with their family. Under Indiana law, parental income is not counted for children under 18. Apply through your local Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) office.
Important 2026 Notice: Like the CIH Waiver, the Family Supports Waiver is at maximum capacity as of December 2025. New slots are expected in July 2026.
- Covers respite care, personal care attendant, therapy, and day services
- interRAI assessment tool in use as of January 1, 2026
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
Indiana’s TBI Waiver serves adults who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and need community-based supports to avoid institutionalization. Upcoming amendments are planned for August 2026, as announced by the Bureau of Disabilities Services in February 2026. Eligible individuals must meet Medicaid financial criteria and a nursing facility level of care specific to TBI needs.
Indiana Medicaid Waiver Eligibility for Home Care: What You Need to Know
Gate 1 — Functional Eligibility: Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC)
Every major Indiana Medicaid waiver for home care requires that the applicant would qualify for nursing home placement based on their level of need. A state assessor evaluates activities of daily living (ADLs), cognitive function, and medical complexity. As of January 2026, Indiana uses the new interRAI assessment system for CIH and Family Supports Waiver evaluations.
Gate 2 — Financial Eligibility: Income and Assets (2026)
- Standard Medicaid income limit: $1,330/month (single, effective March 2026)
- HCBS waiver applicants (higher limit): $2,982/month (individual)
- Home equity limit (PathWays for Aging): $752,000
- DDARS waivers: income must not exceed 300% of the SSI maximum
- For CIH/FSW: parental income not counted for children under 18
How to Apply for an Indiana Medicaid Waiver for Home Care
- Determine which waiver fits your situation. Use age and diagnosis: seniors 60+ apply through PathWays; under 60 with physical disability through H&W; developmental disabilities through CIH or FSW; TBI through the TBI Waiver.
- Contact the right agency. For PathWays and H&W, contact your local FSSA office or Area Agency on Aging (AAA). For CIH and FSW, contact your local Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) office.
- Complete a functional assessment. A state assessor evaluates the applicant’s medical and functional needs. For CIH and FSW, the new interRAI tool is used as of January 2026.
- Submit financial documentation. Provide income verification, bank statements, asset documentation, and Medicaid eligibility records. A case manager will guide you through the requirements.
- Receive your approval notice and choose a provider. Once approved, or when your slot opens from a waiting list, select a home care provider. Indy In-Homecare is a trusted Indianapolis provider ready to help you start services quickly.
Tip: Working with an experienced provider early can make a real difference. The team at Indy In-Homecare can help identify the right waiver, connect you with the right contacts, and guide your family through the paperwork.
Navigating Indiana Medicaid Waiver Waiting Lists in 2026
Current Waiting List Status
- PathWays for Aging: 11,296 seniors on the waiting list as of February 2026. FSSA sends monthly invitations. Nursing home transitions receive priority.
- CIH Waiver: At maximum capacity since December 2025. New slots expected July 2026.
- Family Supports Waiver: At maximum capacity since December 2025. New slots expected July 2026.
What to Do While You Wait
- Apply as early as possible — your spot on the list is determined by application date
- Explore standard Medicaid home health services available outside of waivers
- Ask about Structured Family Caregiving options that may be accessible sooner
- Contact Indy In-Homecare to discuss bridge care options and private-pay arrangements while waiting for a waiver slot
What Home Care Services Do Indiana Medicaid Waivers Cover?
- Personal Care / Attendant Care: Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility assistance
- Homemaker Services: Light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, and errands
- Structured Family Caregiving: Compensates family members (including spouses) to provide daily care at home
- Adult Day Services: Daytime programming and supervision outside the home
- Respite Care: Temporary relief for unpaid family caregivers
- Home-Delivered Meals: Nutritious meals delivered to the home on a regular schedule
- Behavioral Support Services: Assessment and support for behavioral and mental health needs
- Home Modifications: Accessibility upgrades such as ramps, grab bars, and widened doorways
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a family member be paid to provide home care under Indiana Medicaid waivers?
Yes. Indiana’s Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) program allows family members — including spouses in some programs — to be compensated for providing daily care. This is available through the PathWays for Aging waiver and other HCBS programs. An approved agency handles the administrative side, including training, support, and payment processing.
What is the difference between PathWays for Aging and the Health & Wellness Waiver?
PathWays for Aging is for Hoosiers aged 60 and older and uses a managed care model where you enroll with a health insurance plan. The Health & Wellness Waiver is for adults aged 59 and younger with physical disabilities and operates as a traditional Medicaid waiver. Both require nursing facility level of care and Medicaid financial eligibility.
Can a family member be paid to provide home care under Indiana Medicaid waivers?
Yes. Indiana’s Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) program allows family members — including spouses in some programs — to be compensated for providing daily care. This is available through the PathWays for Aging waiver and other HCBS programs. An approved agency handles the administrative side, including training, support, and payment processing.
How long does it take to get approved for an Indiana Medicaid home care waiver?
With active waiting lists on most waivers in 2026, the timeline varies significantly. The functional assessment and financial determination process can take several weeks. Monthly invitation letters are sent as slots open, so applying as early as possible is strongly recommended.
What changed with Indiana Medicaid home care in 2026?
Several important changes took effect in 2026: a new interRAI assessment tool replaced the previous system for CIH and Family Supports Waivers; the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved an amendment that added new self-directed service options to the CIH Waiver; Indiana’s HCSP Training Registry must now register all Direct Support Professionals; and both the CIH and Family Supports Waivers hit maximum capacity in December 2025, though the state expects to open new slots in July 2026.
Sources & References
- Indiana FSSA — HCBS Medicaid Waiver Waiting List Information (April 2026)
- The Arc of Indiana — Medicaid & Waiver Updates (March 2026)
- Indiana PathWays for Aging — Official FAQ
- Medicaid Planning Assistance — Indiana PathWays for Aging (2026)
- IHCP Bulletin BT202613 — CIH Waiver Amendment (January 2026)
- Indiana FSSA — Medicaid HCBS Overview
- Sycamore Services — Indiana interRAI Assessment Tool (March 2026)
- Indiana University IRCA — Medicaid Waiver Programs Guide
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Medicaid eligibility rules and program details change frequently. Always verify current requirements with Indiana FSSA or a qualified benefits counselor. Indy In-Homecare does not provide legal or financial advice.