How to apply for Indiana CHOICE — Community and Home Options to Institutional Care

Who it's for

CHOICE (Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled) is Indiana's STATE-FUNDED (non-Medicaid) in-home services program for residents age 60+ (and disabled adults) who need help to remain at home but may not qualify for the Medicaid PathWays waiver. DISTINCTIVE — CHOICE fills the gap for seniors above Medicaid limits, with a sliding-scale cost share based on income rather than a hard income cap. Services include homemaker, attendant care, home-delivered meals, respite, transportation, and home modifications. Apply through your local Area Agency on Aging (INconnect Alliance, 1-800-986-3505).

What you'll need

• Proof of age 60+
• Proof of Indiana residency
• Functional/needs assessment (completed by the AAA)
• Proof of income (for sliding-scale cost share)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Indiana CHOICE — Community and Home Options to Institutional Care. 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, functional/needs assessment (completed by the AAA) — 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 that you are age 60 or older, proof of Indiana residency, and proof of income (used to calculate your sliding-scale cost share).
2. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to start your application — call 1-800-986-3505 or apply online through the INconnect Alliance portal.
3. Complete a functional needs assessment with an Area Agency on Aging representative, who will visit or connect with you to evaluate the in-home services you need.
4. Submit your application and all supporting documents to your local Area Agency on Aging for review.
5. If approved, work with your Area Agency on Aging to set up your CHOICE services, which may include homemaker help, attendant care, home-delivered meals, respite, transportation, or home modifications.
6. Plan to renew your CHOICE enrollment every year to keep your benefits active.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the Area Agency on Aging will review your documents and needs assessment to determine eligibility and your cost share amount. Because CHOICE is a state-funded program — not Medicaid — there is no hard income cap; your cost share simply slides up or down based on your income. This means seniors who are above Medicaid income limits may still qualify. Keep in mind that CHOICE funding is limited, so a waiting list may apply in your area. Processing times vary, so ask your local Area Agency on Aging for an estimate. Once enrolled, your benefits must be renewed annually to continue receiving services.

Renewals

annual