Nursing Homes in Indiana

Indiana has a population of 6,732,219 people, and 16.1% are aged 65 and older. Seniors living in Indiana have a number of options for their care needs. For those who are medically frail, nursing home care is often the care type of choice. Nursing home care provides round-the-clock nursing care to those who need intensive medical care at all times.

This is the most costly form of care for seniors in the state, and Indiana has 533 nursing homes that provide it. According to the 2020 Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of nursing home care in a semiprivate room in Indiana is $7,133 a month, and this amount increases to $8,486 for a private room.

This guide will help seniors considering nursing home care in Indiana understand their options for paying for care. It also provides a list of free or low-cost resources to help them navigate their care options in the state.

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Indiana

The cost of long-term care varies from one facility to the next, but in Indiana, the average cost for a semiprivate room in a nursing home is $7,133 a month, according to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. In Michigan, seniors pay an average of $8,973. Seniors in Illinois pay a little less at $6,235 a month. Kentucky has a just slightly higher cost for senior care at $7,330, while seniors in Ohio pay a comparable $7,148. In Indiana and many surrounding states, the cost is less than the national average of $7,756 a month.

Even within the state of Indiana, costs vary considerably depending on where a senior lives. In the northern part of the state, the average monthly cost for nursing home care in the Elkhart area is $7,361, which is about $200 higher than the state average of $7,133, while Michigan City has a much higher cost, at $8,060. By contrast, Evansville, in the southern part of the state, averages $7,300 a month for nursing home care. Bloomington, in the central region, has a less-than-average cost of $7,148, which is also the average in Kokomo. Indianapolis is just a little higher than the state average at $7,209. In Lafayette, seniors pay an average of $7,026.

Nursing home care is just one option for senior care in Indiana. While seniors pay an average of $7,133 a month for nursing home care in a semiprivate room, those who choose an assisted living facility pay less, at $4,382 a month. Homemaker services average $4,385 per month, while home health services, which include some basic medical care, cost $4,576. The most affordable care option is adult day care, which averages $1,733 a month.

Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Indiana?

Indiana Medicaid covers nursing home care for older residents who are financially and medically eligible for services. Currently, there are approximately 1.7 million Hoosiers, or about one in five state residents, enrolled in Medicaid. This is a 50% increase over the number of people enrolled in 2013 when the state expanded its Medicaid program. In Indiana’s 533 nursing homes, about two out of three nursing home residents pay for services using Medicaid, and statewide, a sixth of Medicaid beneficiaries are also on Medicare.  

Indiana Medicaid provides comprehensive coverage for medical and long-term skilled nursing services, putting high-quality care within reach of those with limited resources. Under this program, beneficiaries receive full coverage for nursing facility services; physical, occupational and speech therapy; emergency and nonemergency medical transportation; routine and surgical foot care; and medical supplies and equipment. 

Many people require skilled nursing services but have slightly fewer care requirements and don’t want to live in a nursing home. To accommodate their needs and living preferences, Indiana Medicaid has two programs that allow beneficiaries to obtain the services they need in the community: 

• Aged and Disabled Waiver: The A&D Waiver is a Home and Community-Based Services Waiver that enables older adults to live at home or in an assisted living facility as an alternative to nursing home placement. Under this waiver, individuals have coverage for services such as home modifications, adult day services, respite, home-delivered meals, attendant care and assisted living.  
• Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly: PACE provides a full scope of medical and social services for those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. It’s designed for those who need nursing home level care but want to remain in their own home. Services it covers include primary care services, hospital care, adult day services, meals, social work counseling and transportation. This program isn’t available statewide, so applicants must live within a PACE service area.  

Medicaid Eligibility in Indiana 

To be eligible for Indiana Medicaid, applicants must meet income and asset guidelines. Hoosiers can have a monthly pretax income of up to $2,523. This includes all forms of retirement income, including Social Security income, Social Security Disability income, withdrawals from retirement accounts, dividends from investments and government and private pensions. If the applicant is married and their spouse isn’t applying for coverage, only the applicant’s income is counted, and Indiana has laws in place to safeguard the non-applying spouse’s financial security. Single applicants can have up to $2,000 in countable assets. This includes cash, investments, bank accounts and vacation homes. It doesn’t include the applicant’s primary dwelling, belongings, vehicle or irrevocable burial trusts. If both spouses are applying, the asset limit is $3,000. For those whose income and assets exceed these limits, there may be other ways to qualify, including Miller trusts and Medicaid planning.  

In addition to financial limits, Indiana Medicaid applicants must meet other eligibility criteria. Qualifying individuals must be: 

• U.S. nationals, citizens, permanent residents or legal immigrants
• In need of health care services and insurance assistance
• Permanent residents of Indiana 

How To Apply for Medicaid in Indiana 

To apply for Medicaid, Hoosiers must fill out the Indiana Application for Health Coverage, which is available at their local Division of Family Resources office. Once they’ve submitted the application, it may take up to 90 days to determine whether they’re eligible. Alternately, individuals can apply online through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration portal or the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. They can also apply over the phone by calling the FSSA at (800) 403-0864. 

After applying, individuals can check the status of their application online or by calling the FSSA. They must have their case number available.  

Information You Will Need 

Before the individual’s application can be reviewed, they must submit all necessary documentation. This includes: 

• Name and date of birth
• Social Security number
• Income and public benefits
• Bank account balances
• Documentation of other health insurance, including Medicare 

Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Indiana 

Enrolling in Medicaid can significantly reduce the amount of money seniors must put toward long-term care. To help them obtain the services they need, Indiana has several agencies and programs to assist applicants in navigating the system.  

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Indiana?

Medicare provides limited coverage for short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay, but seniors must meet a number of specific requirements. This benefit is available to beneficiaries who have been hospitalized for at least three days, excluding the date of discharge, so it’s most valuable for those who are recovering from an injury, illness or surgery.

Once seniors meet the hospitalization requirement, Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of skilled nursing per benefit period. The first 20 days are covered in full. Starting on day 21, beneficiaries must pay a daily coinsurance rate. After day 100, seniors are responsible for the entire cost.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare covers a number of specific services, including:

• Meals
• A semiprivate room
• Medications
• Skilled nursing
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Audiologist care
• Medical supplies
• Medical social services
• Nutritional counseling
• Ambulance transportation

What Isn’t Covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care that addresses seniors’ day-to-day needs. This includes help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and using medical equipment.

For more information about Medicare and when it covers Nursing Home Care, read our Guide to Nursing Homes.

Seniors in Indiana can access support and information regarding the Medicare application process via several statewide agencies. The following resources help older adults understand their Medicare benefits, compare Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans and protect themselves from fraud. 

Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Indiana

While Medicaid and Medicare are two of the most common programs used to pay for Nursing Home Care, there are other financial assistance options available, depending on your unique situation.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Indiana

The following resources help older adults in Indiana obtain the level of care they need in a nursing home or in the community. It features statewide nonprofit organizations that provide services to help older adults avoid or delay nursing home placement by obtaining services at home. It also has resources to help individuals transition to nursing home care when necessary.  

COVID-19 Rules for Nursing Homes in Indiana

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including coronavirus.in.gov/long-term-care. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/8/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Outings & Social Activities

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Indiana