How to apply for Indiana PathWays for Aging Waiver — Medicaid HCBS for Seniors 60+

Who it's for

PathWays for Aging is Indiana's marquee Medicaid HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) program for residents age 60+ at nursing-home level of care — it replaced the Aged & Disabled (A&D) Waiver on July 1, 2024 and is delivered through managed care (managed long-term services and supports). Services include personal care, home-delivered meals, adult day services, transportation, home modifications, attendant care, and respite. Income limit up to $2,982/month (300% of the SSI federal benefit rate), $2,000 resource limit, PLUS a nursing-home level-of-care need. Apply through your local Area Agency on Aging or call the INconnect Alliance at 1-800-986-3505.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 60+
• Proof of Indiana residency
• Proof of all household income and resources
• Nursing-home level-of-care assessment (completed by the AAA)
• Medicare card if enrolled

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Indiana PathWays for Aging Waiver — Medicaid HCBS for Seniors 60+. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age 60+, proof of Indiana residency, proof of all household income and resources — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your required documents: proof of age (showing you are 60 or older), proof of Indiana residency, proof of all household income and resources, and your Medicare card if you are enrolled in Medicare.
2. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or call the INconnect Alliance at 1-800-986-3505 to start your application by phone or to find out how to apply online.
3. Complete the Medicaid eligibility screening with your AAA. A caseworker will review your income, resources, and residency to confirm you meet the program's financial requirements.
4. Schedule and complete a nursing-home level-of-care assessment. A staff member from your local AAA will conduct this assessment to determine whether your care needs qualify for PathWays for Aging.
5. Submit all required documents to your AAA caseworker. Make sure nothing is missing so your application can move forward without delay.
6. Work with your AAA to choose a managed care plan. PathWays for Aging is delivered through managed long-term services and supports, so you will be enrolled in a managed care plan that coordinates your services.
7. Renew your eligibility every year. Your AAA will contact you when it is time to complete your annual renewal — respond promptly and provide any updated documents requested.

What to expect: After you submit your application and assessment, your local Area Agency on Aging will review your Medicaid eligibility and level-of-care results. Processing times vary, so ask your AAA caseworker for an estimate of how long your review may take. If approved, you will be enrolled in a managed care plan through Indiana's managed long-term services and supports system, and a care coordinator will help arrange services such as personal care, home-delivered meals, adult day services, transportation, home modifications, attendant care, and respite. Keep in mind that PathWays for Aging requires both Medicaid eligibility and a nursing-home level-of-care need. Because this is a waiver program, there may be a waiting list — ask your AAA about current availability. Your eligibility must be renewed annually, so watch for renewal notices and respond quickly to avoid any gap in services.

Renewals

annual