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.

$7133

Indiana

$7756

The United States

$6235

Illinois

$7148

Ohio

$7330

Kentucky

$8973

Michigan

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.

$7133

Indiana

$7026

Lafayette

$7148

Bloomington

$7148

Kokomo

$7209

Indianapolis

$7300

Evansville

$7361

Elkhart

$8060

Michigan City

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.

$7133

Nursing Home

$1733

Adult Day Care

$4382

Assisted Living

$4385

Home Care

$4576

Home Health Care

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.  

Annual Income Limits 

Asset Limits 

Single Applicant 

$30,276

$2,000 

Married (Both Spouses Applying)

$30,276 per spouse 

$3,000 

Married (One Spouse Applying) 

$30,276 for applicant 

$2,000 for applicant 

$137,400 for spouse 

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.  

Resource 

Contact 

Description 

(877) 647-5326 

The MHS Ombudsman Program serves as a neutral third party with issues regarding Medicaid coverage, canceled policies or denied coverage. The ombudsman can answer individuals’ questions regarding their benefits and services and provide information on beneficiaries’ rights and responsibilities. The ombudsman can also guide individuals through the appeals process, including assisting with filling out paperwork and documenting verbal appeals. The office is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and all calls are confidential.

The American Council on Aging publishes up-to-date information on qualifying for Medicaid, including income and asset limits and options for qualifying when those limits are exceeded. It also provides information on nursing homes, including national care costs, what characterizes a nursing home level of care and the eviction process. 

(800) 446-1993 

The Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit helps keep Medicaid costs low by investigating complaints of dishonest practices, including excessive nursing home services, charges for services not received and billing errors.

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. 

Resource 

Contact 

Description 

(800) 452-4800 

SHIP is a free statewide program that provides unbiased health insurance options counseling for Medicare-eligible individuals. It's staffed by trained volunteers who can answer callers’ questions regarding Medicare coverage for nursing home care, along with their rights as policyholders and what to do if a claim is denied or their policy is canceled. SHIP counselors can also help seniors determine whether a Medigap or Medicare Advantage Plan could save them more money on long-term care expenses and screen for eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs.

(800) 633-4227 

The federal Medicare site publishes current information on Medicare coverage for hospital and medical care, including deductibles, premium amounts and late enrollment penalties. It provides resources for applying for Medicare, finding local resources to help with application and appeals processes and detailed information about Medicare cards. It also highlights the types of mail Medicare beneficiaries get, including the Get Ready for Medicare package, replacement Medicare card letters and the Medicare & You handbook.

(800) 794-6559 

BenefitsCheckUp is a federal site that allows users to search the benefits programs in their state. Through this site, Hoosiers can learn about Medicare Savings Programs, including what the programs cover, who's eligible and how to apply. It also publishes detailed information on Nursing Home Medicaid, the Aged and Disabled Waiver, veterans’ benefits and the state’s CHOICE program.

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.

How to Apply

How It Works

Aid and Attendance

Learn more and apply online at va.gov.

Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.

Reverse Mortgages

Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov

If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for nursing care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.

Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance

Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov.

Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for skilled nursing care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy.

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.  

Resource 

Contact 

Service 

(800) 986-3505 

Indiana has a network of 16 Area Agencies on Aging, each with an assigned service area. These local nonprofit agencies may be a service of the local government or a private entity that provides free and low-cost services and support for those aged 60 and over to help them maintain their independence. Services vary by location, but all agencies provide options counseling, information and referrals for community-based services, home-delivered meals and in-home attendant care. Some agencies have additional programs, such as nursing home transition services, to help an individual move from an institutional setting to their home or assisted living facility. 

(800) 622-4484 

The statewide Long-Term Care Ombudsman works on behalf of older adults in long-term residential care, including nursing homes and residential care facilities. The ombudsman serves as a neutral third party in mediating disagreements among family members regarding their loved one's care, along with conflicts with nursing home staff and residents. The ombudsman ensures nursing homes’ compliance with federal guidelines and helps residents understand their rights. They can also help investigate issues and resolve cases of abuse or neglect.

(844) 243-8570 

Indiana Legal Services, Inc., provides free statewide civil legal services to those aged 60 and over. Through this resource, older adults obtain information on how to find a lawyer, the types of cases the agency handles and what to do if the legal services program won’t help them. The agency has legal offices throughout the state where seniors can get help from licensed professionals with issues regarding will planning and assigning powers of attorney. It can also help with problems in nursing homes, including excessive or insufficient services and intake and discharge procedures.

(800) 457-8283 

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs helps older veterans in the state obtain benefits, such as residential housing, property tax deductions and veterans’ home placement, which may be more affordable than private nursing home care. It also helps qualifying individuals access federal benefits, such as Aid and Attendance, veterans’ and survivors’ pensions, TRICARE health insurance and medical care.

(317) 638-4232 

The Indiana Community Action Association provides a range of services to qualifying seniors to help them maintain their independence and safety at home, which may let them avoid or shorten the duration of nursing home care. Services vary by region but may include home modifications, volunteer-based transportation services, home-delivered meals and bill assistance.

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

Rules for Indiana Communities

Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?

Yes

Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?

No

Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?

Yes

Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?

Yes

Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?

Yes

Outings & Social Activities

Rules for Indiana Communities

Are residents allowed to leave (errands, visiting family, etc.) for non-medical reasons?

Yes

Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they return?

No (Conditions Apply)

Are senior living communities required to cancel all group outings?

No

Are residents allowed to eat meals together in a common area?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are residents allowed to gather in common areas for group activites?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Rules for Indiana Communities

Are staff members regularly required to do a temperature check?

Yes

Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are staff members members regularly required to do a health and safety screening, including questions about travel, contact with positive cases, etc?

Yes

Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?

Yes

Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Indiana

NURSING HOME LAWS AND REGULATIONS IN INDIANA
Licensing Requirements
SNFs, also called Comprehensive Care Facilities in Indiana, are licensed through the Comprehensive Care Facility Licensing and Certification Program. The Program surveys facilities to ensure they're following current laws, and it also investigates complaints.
Staffing Requirements
Indiana nursing homes must have sufficient nursing staff to provide for the mental, physical and psychosocial well-being of residents. This includes at least one awake staff person with current CPR and first aid certification for every 50 residents at all times. Staffing requirements also include a licensed nurse, and each resident should receive 0.5 licensed nurse hours daily. The facility must also have an RN on staff eight hours a day.
Staff Training Requirements
Certified Nursing Aides must be trained and certified to work in nursing homes. This requires a 105-hour training program and state certification.
Admission Restrictions
SNFs must only admit residents they can care for with their current services. If the resident’s medical or psychosocial needs are outside of what the facility can provide, it should not admit the resident. When admitting a new resident, the SNF must provide information about the Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and how the resident or resident's family can contact it.
Care Planning Requirements
Nursing home staff must create personal care plans for each resident under the direction of the resident’s physician and the facility’s staff. In addition, it must consult and coordinate that care plan with at least one individual that the resident chooses, such as a family member.
Dietary and Nutritional Services Requirements
SNFs in Indiana must plan and serve three meals a day that include the daily nutritional requirements for residents. A registered dietitian must approve the menu. If a resident requires a modified diet, the attending physician must prescribe it. All food-handling and serving areas must meet state and local food-handling standards.
Specialized Rehabilitative Services
If a community cannot provide specialized rehabilitative services, it must arrange for them outside of the facility. This can include providing access to occupational, speech, hearing or physical therapies.
Medication and Pharmaceutical Services
Facilities that control and administer medication must consult with a pharmacist before doing so. SNFs also must train their staff on medication competence. All medications, including over-the-counter medications, must be labeled with appropriate instructions and expiration date.
Activities Requirements
Indiana nursing homes are required to have activities programs for their residents and to provide transportation to community-based activities. All nursing homes must employ an activities director.
Infection Control Requirements
Nursing homes must maintain infection control practices as outlined by the CDC. This includes identifying and controlling known infections and providing a sanitary community for residents.
Medicaid Coverage
Income-qualified seniors can use Medicaid benefits to cover some or all of their nursing home costs, provided the facility is approved to receive Medicaid payments.

Nursing Homes Facilities in Indiana (102)