Does Indiana Pay For In-Home Care?

Indiana Medicaid and Medicare will pay for in-home care wholly or partially, depending on the applicants’ circumstances. Working on the principle that it is more cost-effective for seniors and other people who qualify for nursing care to stay in their homes, these programs provide funding for certain nonmedical and medical expenses. Apart from Medicaid and Medicare, there are several other agencies in Indiana that Hoosiers can contact about funding in-home care. In-home care covers services that include companionship, meals, housekeeping and help with bathing and dressing.

Seniors can apply for in-home care through the Indiana Medicaid Aged and Disability Waiver program. Services provided include case management, adult day services, attendant care, meals, healthcare coordination and medical equipment and supplies. To qualify, Hoosiers must be permanent residents in Indiana, earn less than a specified amount and have countable assets of less than $2,000. These include cash, investments and stocks but exclude their primary home, personal belongings and vehicle. Seniors can apply for the Medicaid waiver through the Indiana Family and Social Services or the local Area Agency on Aging.

Medicare covers necessary medical costs through the Indiana Home Healthcare program, but not in-home expenses. Services include skilled nursing for specific ailments and various types of therapy such as physical and occupational therapy to improve mobility and help with daily activities. Other funding options include the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs, which helps qualifying veterans obtain state and Federal VA benefits such as the Aide and Attendance and Housebound benefits. Another option is the PACE program available in several cities. PACE services include home health and home care services, including skilled nursing, chore services, personal care and meal preparation. Seniors must be eligible for nursing home care to apply, and those without Medicaid may be charged co-payments.

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of in-home care in Indiana is $4,767. Thanks to Indiana’s favorable cost structure, this figure is lower than the national average figure of $4,957 and cheaper than similar costs in most adjacent states. Within Indiana, in-home care costs vary quite considerably. In major centers such as Indianapolis, South Bend and Fort Wayne it’s higher, while in smaller centers like Columbus, Evansville and Terre Haute it is much lower, as can be seen in the following list.

Average Monthly In-home Costs in Indiana

• Indiana: $4,767
• National: $4,957
• South Bend: $5,672
• Fort Wayne: $5,339
• Indianapolis: $5,053
• Columbus; $4,553
• Evansville: $4,290
• Terre Haute: $3,623