Indiana is a large state in the midwestern U.S, it is the 17th most populous state, with just over 6.8 million residents, of which 16.1% are aged 65 or older. Seniors may find Indiana an appealing place to spend their retirement years thanks to its lower than average cost of living, above average air quality and relatively affordable health care.

The average cost of assisted living in Indiana is $4,283. This is slightly lower than the national average. Seniors who require financial support to cover the cost of assisted living may be eligible for the Indiana Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver and the Consumer Directed Attendant Care Program.

This guide looks at the cost of assisted living in Indiana and the surrounding states, as well as the cost of other types of senior care. It also provides a list of resources to help seniors access practical and financial support as they and their families consider their senior care options.                                                                                            

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in in Indiana?

According to the Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of assisted living in Indiana is $4,283 per month. This is slightly lower than the national average of $4,500. Seniors pay less in Kentucky, with average fees of $3,448. Other neighboring states, including Ohio ($4,635) and Illinois ($4,488) have fees more similar to Indiana’s.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

In addition to assisted living, there are several other types of senior care that may be more suitable for seniors based on their needs and budget. The most affordable option in Indiana is adult day health care, which is delivered for a few hours per day in a group setting, costing $1,733 per month. Homemaker services and home health care, delivered in the senior’s own house, average $4,767 per month, just slightly above the cost of similar assisted living services. Meanwhile, a semiprivate room in a nursing home where skilled nursing care and supervision is offered 24-hours a day, would cost around $7,270 per month.

Can You Use Medicaid to Pay for Assisted Living in Indiana?

Indiana’s Medicaid program does not usually cover the cost of assisted living directly. However, there are waivers that offer such support for those who are clinically eligible. The Indiana Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver / Consumer Directed Attendant Care Program may cover the cost of assisted living in cases where doing so would help a senior avoid premature placement in a nursing home.

Medicaid’s Coverage of Assisted Living in Indiana

The Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver and its associated Consumer Directed Attendant Care Program are intended to help seniors remain in the community, avoiding the costs associated with premature nursing home placement. The waiver can be used to cover the cost of assisted living, case management services, and certain assistive devices.

Waiver Programs for Assisted Living in Indiana

Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver

The Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver helps seniors who are eligible for a nursing home level of care remain independent and live within the community. This may mean they live at home and pay for a caregiver to look after them, or they may choose to move into an assisted living facility. The program is open to those who are aged 65 or over and who need a nursing home level of care, as well as those who are blind or living with a disability.

Seniors must be on a low income (defined as no more than 300% of the SSI income), and have no more than $2,000 in countable assets to be eligible for the waiver. Applications for the Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver can be made via the nearest Area Agency on Aging.

Eligibility for Medicaid in Indiana

To qualify for Medicaid, seniors must have an income of no more than $30,276 if they are single or are part of a couple but applying by themselves. Married couples can have an income of $30,276 each if they are both applying for Medicaid. The single person asset allowance is $2,000. There is a community asset protection of $137,400 for couples where one person is applying for care.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Indiana

	Income Limits*	Asset Limits
Single Applicant	$30,276	$2,000
Two-Person Household(Only One Person Applying)	$30,276 for applicant	$2,000 for applicant$137,400 for non-applicant
Two-Person Household (Both People Applying)	$30,276 per spouse	$3,000

*per year

In addition to these eligibility requirements, seniors must also:

• Be U.S Citizens and reside in Indiana
• Require help with the activities of daily living
• Be aged 65 or over

Applying for Medicaid in Indiana

Seniors can apply for Medicaid by contacting their nearest Area Agency on Aging. Applications can also be made on the online portal for the Family and Social Services Administration Division of Family Resources (DFR). Telephone assistance is available from the DFR (800) 403-0864.

Before You Apply

Before starting the application process, it’s important to have all of the relevant information and documentation to hand. This means having proof of your age, citizenship and residency, as well as proof of income. For most seniors, a passport, birth certificate, bank statements and utility bills will suffice. Those who are claiming benefits may need evidence from the VA or Social Security. Other useful documentation may include car titles, property deeds and evidence of any other financial assets.

Where to Go to Get Help

Seniors who require assistance with the Medicaid application process can contact one of the following organizations for advice. These organizations can offer information about the application process and eligibility requirements, as well as help seniors understand what Medicaid can be used for.

Resource	Contact	Service
Indiana Medicaid Portal		The state Medicaid portal includes information about the Medicaid program and the various waivers available to seniors. It also includes links to help seniors apply for the program, find providers, and learn more about the eligibility criteria.
Benefits.gov	(800) 403-0864	The Benefits.gov portal offers information about the various benefits available in each state. The Indiana Medicaid page provides a detailed breakdown of the application process and eligibility critieria. It also includes a list of useful contact numbers and links.
Indiana SHIIP	(800) 452-4800	The Indiana State Health Insurance Information Program provides free health insurance information for seniors. Trained advisors offer information about Medicare and Medicaid, helping seniors understand their options and helping to reduce health insurance fraud.

Can You Use Medicare to Pay for Assisted Living in Indiana?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Indiana. Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities are not considered to be “clinical settings’ and so are not eligible for Medicare coverage. That being said, you can still use Medicare to cover the cost of approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc.

For more information about what Medicare visit medicare.gov.

Are There Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Indiana?

	How to Apply	How It Works
Aid and Attendance	Apply online at va.gov.	If you are a veteran and you receive a VA pension, you may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit takes the form of a monthly cash allowance that you receive in addition to your standard pension. This benefit is used by veterans who need long-term care services, including care received at an assisted living facility.
Reverse Mortgages	Research and learn about the different types at ftc.gov	If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to access some of the equity in your home. Like traditional loans, reverse mortgages do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months, so seniors should carefully weigh this option alongside other financing methods.
Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance	Learn about how to receive LTC insurance benefits at acl.gov.	While those who currently need assisted living will typically not be eligible, if you purchased an LTC insurance policy in the past, you may be able to use it to help pay for assisted living. While most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, you still need to check the specific terms of your policy.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Indiana

Seniors living in Indiana can take advantage of the following free resources to help them access the care they need. These state and federal organizations, and local nonprofits, provide information, community services and advice to Indiana’s seniors.

Resource	Contact	Service
Area Agencies on Aging	(800) 986-3505	There are several Area Agencies on Aging in Indiana. Each of these agencies oversees services for seniors in their local area. The AAAs run senior centers, can assist with Medicaid applications, and provide local services such as transportation and nutrition programs.
Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs	(800) 457-8283	The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs has Veterans Services Officers located all over the state. These VSOs help veterans access the support and benefits they’re entitled to, including Aid & Attendance Benefits, pensions, and health care. The CVSO can assist with applications and appeals, as well as offer signposting to other agencies.
Long Term Care Ombudsman	(800) 622-4484	The Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman offers support for residents of long-term care facilities and their loved ones in the event of a dispute or issue with the standard of care at the facility. It helps residents understand their rights, and serves as a liaison when there are complaints or concerns.
Indiana Legal Services	(844) 243-8570	Indiana Legal Services is a nonprofit organization that works with low-income or vulnerable individuals in the state. It can offer seniors support with a variety of civil legal issues, including benefits appeals, landlord/tenant issues and elder abuse. Cases are considered on a case-by-case basis, with priority given to those who have the most urgent need for support.
Social Security Field Offices	(800) 772-1213	There are several Social Security Field Offices spread across the state. Seniors can visit these offices for advice about SSI and other social security benefits, to request help with appeals, or to obtain statements or information to support applications for income-based waivers.

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Indiana

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including coronavirus.in.gov and cdc.gov/coronavirus. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/7/2022, 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.

Visiting Loved Ones

Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care?	Yes
Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her?	No
Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person?	Yes
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities?	Yes
Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives?	Yes
Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?	Yes

Outings and Group Activities

Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons?	Yes
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine?	No (Conditions Apply)
Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings?	No
Are residents still eating together in the dining hall?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community?	Yes (Conditions Apply)

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?	Yes

Safety Measures for Residents

Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms?	Yes
Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms?	No
Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures?	Yes
Are residents being tested for coronavirus?	Yes (Conditions Apply)

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Indiana

Assisted living facilities in Indiana are required to file a disclosure with the Family and Social Services Agency Division of Aging. The standards of accommodations facilities are required to offer differ depending on whether they’re enrolled in the Medicaid waiver program or not. All facilities are required to meet set standards for staffing and provision of care.