The Midwestern state of Indiana features a mix of large cities and small, close-knit towns, accommodating a range of budgets and lifestyle preferences. Seniors make up the fastest-growing demographic in this state. According to recent data, those aged 60 and over are projected to account for about 23% of Indiana’s population in 2030. By comparison, in 2012, seniors made up less than 18% of residents. A low cost of living, generally comfortable weather and affordable health care all play a role in why seniors are choosing to retire to Indiana.
As Indiana’s senior population grows, the need for affordable long-term care solutions is also increasing. If you plan to enjoy your retirement years in the comfort of your own home but certain activities are becoming more challenging, home care may be a good solution for you. This type of care includes services such as light housekeeping, meal preparation and companionship and costs approximately $4,676 per month in Indiana. Home health care is similar but is administered by licensed legal professionals and includes services such as medication administration and physical therapy.
This guide provides more information on in-home care in Indiana, including how care costs compare to those in other states, options for paying for services and resources you can contact for free assistance.
The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that seniors in Indiana pay $4,767 per month for in-home care, which is a couple of hundred dollars less than the national median of $4,957. In Kentucky, which is situated to the south of Indiana, rates are the same at $4,767 per month, and in Ohio, which lies to the east, rates are equal to the national median at $4,957. West of the state in Illinois, care costs exceed the national median at $5,339, and to the north in Michigan, rates are the highest of Indiana’s bordering states at $5,529.
Indiana
$4767
The United States
$4957
Michigan
$5529
Illinois
$5339
Kentucky
$4767
In-home care costs vary throughout Indiana depending on local living costs and the availability of services. The cheapest surveyed city for care is Terre Haute, where agencies charge approximately $3,623 per month. In Evansville, seniors pay $4,290, and in Muncie, fees are a little higher but still below the state median at $4,385. Seniors in Columbus pay $4,553 for in-home care, and in the capital city of Indianapolis, care costs are several hundred dollars higher at $5,053. In Fort Wayne, clients pay $5,339, and in South Bend, fees average $5,672.
South Bend
$5672
Fort Wayne
$5339
Muncie
$4385
Indianapolis
$5053
Terre Haute
$3623
Columbus
$4553
Evansville
$4290
In-home care is moderately priced in Indiana at $4,767 per month. Home health care, which is similar but includes specialized skilled nursing services, has the same monthly rate. Older adults who obtain this level of care in assisted living pay $4,283 per month for personal care, housing and meals. Adult day health care is the cheapest long-term care option in the state at $1,733 per month, and nursing home care is the costliest option at $7,270 for semiprivate accommodations.
In-Home Care
$4767
Home Health Care
$4767
Adult Day Health Care
$1733
Assisted Living
$4283
Nursing Home Care
$7270
Indiana’s Medicaid program provides comprehensive health insurance coverage to meet the needs of income-qualifying individuals within the state who may otherwise be unable to afford health care. While this program doesn’t pay for in-home care directly, it helps Hoosier seniors pay for this type of care through a waiver program. This waiver, called the Aged and Disabled Waiver, pays for services and support necessary for avoiding nursing home placement.
Aged and Disabled Waiver
Indiana Medicaid covers in-home care through the Aged and Disabled Waiver, which expands the regular program’s coverage to meet the needs of those at risk of nursing home placement. The services a beneficiary receives depend on their care needs as determined by their case manager.
Covered services may include:
The A&D Waiver is open to those who are at least 65 years old, blind or disabled. Applicants must also meet income and asset limits. Unmarried applicants may have an income of up to 300% of the maximum Supplemental Security income amount. In 2022, this limit is $30,276 annually. Applicants must also require nursing home level care.
Seniors can apply for the waiver by contacting their local Area Agency on Aging or the Division on Aging by calling (888) 673-0002.
To qualify for Medicaid, applicants must have limited income and assets. Single applicants may have an annual income of up to $13,596, and married applicants can have up to $18,312. Single applicants can have up to $2,000 in countable assets. If they’re married but their spouse isn’t applying for Medicaid, the applicant can have $2,000 in countable assets and the non-applicant can retain half their joint assets up to $137,400. If both spouses are applying for coverage, they must meet a combined asset limit of $3,000.
2022 Indiana Medicaid Income Limits
| Income limits* | Asset limits | |
|---|---|---|
| Single Applicant | $13,596 | $2,000 |
| Two-Person Household (Only one applicant) | $18,312 | $2,000 for applicant $137,400 for non-applicant |
| Two-Person Household (Two applicants) | $18,312 | $3,000 |
*per year
Indiana’s Medicaid program is open to people of all ages, regardless of disability status. Along with meeting financial criteria, applicants must also be U.S. citizens or legal residents and permanent residents of Indiana to qualify for coverage.
Seniors have several options for applying for Indiana Medicaid. If you want to fill out an application in person and receive one-on-one assistance with the process, you can visit your local Division of Family Resources office. You can call the Family and Social Services Administration at (800) 403-0864 to apply for Medicaid coverage over the phone, or you can submit an application online through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration portal or the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace.
Regardless of how you apply, the acceptance process takes about 90 days, though qualifying individuals may have their application accepted sooner. Seniors can follow up on their applications by calling the FSSA or viewing the application status through the website.
What Information You Will Need
To apply for Indiana Medicaid, you must have several pieces of information on hand, including:
Seniors in Indiana can get assistance with applying for Medicaid and managing their benefits from several local agencies and helplines. These resources can answer questions you have about getting coverage, enrolling in the Aged and Disabled Waiver and appealing denied Medicaid claims.
| Program | Contact | AreaServed | Services provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHS Ombudsman Program | (877) 647-5326 | Statewide | The MHS Ombudsman Program serves as an impartial third party for Hoosiers with Medicaid, helping them understand their benefits and navigate the appeals process if their application is rejected or a medical expense is denied coverage. Seniors can get over-the-phone assistance by calling the program’s helpline between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or by visiting one of its three office locations. All services are free and confidential. |
| American Council on Aging | Contact Form | Statewide | Through the American Council on Aging, you can connect with Medicaid planners in your area who help you qualify for Medicaid and the Aged and Disabled Waiver if your income and assets exceed the program’s limits. The website also has current information on Medicaid’s financial eligibility requirements, waivers and rules on how to apply for coverage. |
| Indiana Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit | (800) 446-1993 | Statewide | The Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates reports of patient abuse, neglect or exploitation from long-term care service providers who accept payment from Medicaid. It also looks into reports of unnecessary health services that inflate billed expenses, charges for services not rendered and double charges. |
| Indiana Family and Social Services Administration | (800) 457-8283 | Statewide | Seniors and their families can find help with Medicaid applications through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Telephone help is available during business hours, and appointments can be made for in-person assistance. |
In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.
Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.
As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)
While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.
In-home care may be a viable solution for older adults who want to remain in their homes even as their needs change. However, finding affordable care can be a challenge. Through the following resources, older adults in Indiana can find free and low-cost services to bring down the overall cost of their care. These resources can also help seniors identify ways to pay for monthly care costs.
| Resource | Contact | AreaServed | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Area Agencies on Aging | (800) 713-9023 | Statewide | Sixteen Area Agencies on Aging serve Indiana residents aged 60 and over through a broad range of free and low-cost programs. While services vary slightly by region, all agencies provide information and referrals for community-based services, non-emergency medical transportation, financial and legal advice and social and recreational programs. Some agencies provide federally subsidized in-home care services and home-delivered meals, which can help older adults reduce overall monthly care expenses. |
| Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs | (800) 457-8283 | Statewide | The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs administers state benefits that may help qualifying individuals to lower their living expenses, including transportation services, property tax deductions and emergency financial assistance. County offices can also screen individuals for federal VA benefits such as Aid and Attendance, which can help cover in-home care costs. |
| Indiana Legal Services, Inc. | (844) 243-8570 | Statewide | Indiana Legal Services is a statewide nonprofit agency that provides free civil legal services to older adults. Its staff can screen individuals for eligibility for public benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. It can also help veterans apply for state and federal benefits. |
| Indiana Community Action Association | (317) 638-4232 | Statewide | The Indiana Community Action Association provides services and supports to qualifying individuals statewide. Through their local Community Action Partnership, seniors can obtain services such as home-delivered meals, friendly visits and phone calls, case management and volunteer-based transportation services, which may help them reduce in-home care costs. |
| State Health Insurance Assistance Program | (800) 452-4800 | Statewide | The State Health Insurance Assistance Program is a free program that helps older adults understand their Medicare benefits and research Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans. SHIP counselors can also help older adults determine whether they qualify for Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid as well as learn how to recognize and protect themselves from Medicare fraud. |
| Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana | (317) 252-5558 | Central Indiana | Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana provides home-delivered meals to qualifying individuals in the Indianapolis area. It partners with the Food is Medicine Coalition to provide medically tailored meals to those managing chronic diseases. Applicants may have to meet income and need-related guidelines to qualify for services, and they may need to provide a donation for their meal. To find their local Meals on Wheels program, seniors outside the Indianapolis region can call 2-1-1 for free assistance with locating services. |
| Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly | (888) 673-0002 | 5 service area | PACE provides social and medical services to those aged 55 and over dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. This program is open to those who qualify for nursing home level care but want to continue living in their own homes. Through their local PACE program, seniors can obtain homemaker services, home-delivered meals, wellness services and primary care. Those who don’t qualify for Medicaid are required to pay a copay for services. |
Home health care providers are licensed and certified by the Indiana State Department of Health via the Home Health Agency program. The department is responsible for the oversight of all agencies that provide medical care in the recipient’s home, which includes regular inspections of licensed agencies to make sure residents receive quality care. The ISDH also ensures that these agencies and their workers are in compliance with federal Medicare and Medicaid regulations, as well as state laws and rules governing the industry.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | Home care agencies can perform various tasks around the house, such as assistance with ADLs, homemaking and companionship. Home health agencies can provide a higher level of medical care and have highly trained staff. |
| Care Plan Requirements | Care plans must be ordered by a licensed physician, dentist or other registered health practitioner. These health services must be performed by health care professionals, which includes nurses and physical therapists. |
| Medication Management Requirements | Medication must be determined necessary by a physician and then ordered from a pharmacist. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and qualified medication aides are permitted to administer medication. All staff in the chain of command can be held legally responsible for their actions. |
| Staff Screening Requirements | Agencies must verify the individual's licensing status via state government records and receive a criminal background check from Indiana State Police. Cleared applicants must then undergo a competency evaluation and finally have their Home Health Aide application reviewed by the ISDH. |
| Staff Training Requirements | The Indiana State Department of Health registers all licensed home health aides and maintains an online registry. Individual home health agencies create their own requirements for qualifications and training, although there are certain minimums, and the ISDH only intervenes if state or federal laws or regulations have been broken. |
| Medicaid Coverage | In-home care services are covered though Indiana Medicaid and the additional state-run programs detailed in the financial section of this guide. |
| Reporting Abuse | The ISDH handles the complaint process for health care facilities in Indiana, which includes home care and home health agencies. Call the report line at (800) 246-8909 during business hours or read more about the process and other methods of submitting a complaint. |
Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.
To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.
100 Results
10835 Albertson Dr, Indianapolis, IN, 46231
5.0
(4 reviews)
"God's Power Homecare provides excellent care for my dad should as bathing, cooking meals, disinfecting my dads equipment / room, reminding my dad to take his medication daily and weight, making sure my dad does some exercise and most of all have conv..."
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8888 Keystone Crossing #1300, Indianapolis, IN, 46240
5.0
(4 reviews)
"The staff is always very professional, courteous and they arrive on time. I really took my time to research who I wanted to help care for my parents and I am very happy with my choice in this company. ..."
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7740 East 50th St., Indianapolis, IN, 46226
5.0
(3 reviews)
"Jeff, Jessica and their team have been wonderful with my mother, who has dementia and is currently working to get back on her feet. They have been very caring, both to her mental health and acuity and to her physical stamina. We believe working wit..."
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10333 N. Meridian St. , Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46290
5.0
(2 reviews)
"To Whom This Information May Be Of Need; Our family had need of in-home-care for my wife & a mother, with that being said we were lucky be told of At Home Preferred. From the interview through my wife's passing almost a year later, we had a wide a..."
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494 South Emerson Avenue Suite I-2, Greenwood, IN, 46143
5.0
(1 reviews)
"I have had Senior Helpers visiting my parents 3 times a week for 2 or 3 months now. My parents are extremely happy with the caregivers. ..."
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737 East 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46240
5.0
(1 reviews)
"They have been great for the past 3 months (give or take). If any new aides come to help, the owner shows up to show them the ropes. The aides have been caring and compassionate. They're on time and respectful. They help out with anything we need. We..."
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5226 S East Street Suite A9, Indianapolis, IN, 46227
5.0
(1 reviews)
"I think the caregiver from Attentive Home Care is doing great. She stays with my husband 9 to 10 hours a day for 5 days a week. ..."
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4035 Sunshine Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46228
5.0
(1 reviews)
"If you are thinking about Servants Home Care for your love one, you would be making a GREAT choice. My mother has been with Servants Home Care for more than 6 months and I can’t say enough good things about the service. From the first day till now ..."
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1415 Tremont St, Indianapolis, IN, 46222
5.0
(1 reviews)
"Me and my wife have been using Caring Help Concierge for 3 months for my parents and we are happy with the care assistant and the timely responses from management...."
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11 Municipal Dr, Fishers, IN, 46038
5.0
(1 reviews)
"Great company. I would say they have gone above and beyond for my family. The owner truly cares and it shows. Our helper had an unexpected last minute emergency and the owner came in to help that day. We were truly grateful ..."
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6803 Lakeworth Dr , Indianapolis, IN, 46220
5.0
(1 reviews)
"I'm very comfortable with the service the Demetria provides she treats me with respect and takes good care of me I'm glad to have her working for me...."
READ MORE6525 E 82nd St Suite 103 , Indianapolis, IN, 46250
5.0
(1 reviews)
"Very caring, great service and helpful. I called them after hours for an immediate need. They responded promptly and came over to help us after hours. Thank you !! Greatly appreciate your services !!..."
READ MORE310 East 96th St , Indianapolis, IN, 46240
5.0
(1 reviews)
"Always care home care has taken exceptional care of me in my time of need. the owners Brittney and Geralyn are very hands-on with my care and needs if I have a problem I can call them and they will fix the problem immediately. I will recommend them t..."
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3725 E. Southport Rd., Suite F, Indianapolis, IN, 46227
3.5
(6 reviews)
"The caregiver that ComForcare provided for us was good and caring. Joy was cooking for me, cleaning my house, and doing my laundry. The management was good at what they do. I had no problem with them. I used them for three or four weeks. I will use t..."
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4000 W. 106th Street , Suite 125-417, Carmel, IN, 46032
3.6
(3 reviews)
"Griswold was recommended to me by an assisted living facility that I was looking into for my mom. It was gonna take a little time for us to get her in there. In the meantime, we needed in home care. The were several that I had spoken with and some of..."
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1398 N. Shadeland Ave Suite 2231, Indianapolis, IN, 46219
3.2
(4 reviews)
"This company has exceeded my expectations. Their staff really cares about their clients. Mistakes happen, but they do react to the challenges that they face with their staff. ..."
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9615 North College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46280
2.6
(3 reviews)
"It took them about a month to find a good match caregiver for my mom. Everything is going fine so far, no complaints. Mom likes the caregiver. ..."
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1135 3rd Ave SW, Carmel, IN, 46032
1.0
(1 reviews)
"Although these caretakers do everything they are supposed to when spending time with my mom, the service itself is very unreliable. In the past month, there have been four times that no one has shown up at the scheduled time, and we did not receive a..."
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