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Indiana PathWays for Aging: What Families Need to Know in 2026
If you are helping an aging parent or loved one in Indiana, you may have heard about Indiana PathWays for Aging. But what exactly is the program, who qualifies, and can it help pay for care at home?
For many older adults, staying in a familiar environment is important. They want to maintain their routines, remain close to family, and continue living as independently as possible. At the same time, families may need additional support with daily activities, transportation, meals, and personal care.
Indiana PathWays for Aging is designed to help eligible older Hoosiers access healthcare and long-term services and supports, including certain services that can help them live in their homes and communities.
Here is what Indiana families should understand about the program in 2026.
What Is Indiana PathWays for Aging?
Indiana PathWays for Aging is a Medicaid managed care program for eligible Indiana residents who are 60 years old or older and receive qualifying Medicaid benefits.
The program connects members with a health plan that coordinates their healthcare and, when they qualify, long-term services and supports. These services are intended to help older adults maintain their independence and receive appropriate care in their homes or communities when possible.
PathWays launched on July 1, 2024, replacing the former Aged and Disabled Waiver structure for eligible individuals age 60 and older. The Health and Wellness Waiver serves eligible individuals age 59 and younger.
PathWays health plans include:
Anthem
Humana
UnitedHealthcare
The health plan helps coordinate covered services based on the member's eligibility, needs, and approved care arrangements.
Who Qualifies for Indiana PathWays for Aging?
PathWays is generally for individuals who:
Are 60 years of age or older
Meet Indiana Medicaid eligibility requirements based on age, blindness, or disability
Qualify for the applicable full Medicaid benefits
Some individuals may also receive Medicare alongside Medicaid. This is commonly called being dual eligible.
However, being 60 or older does not automatically mean someone qualifies for every service available through PathWays. Medicaid eligibility and eligibility for additional long-term services and supports are separate considerations.
For individuals seeking home and community-based waiver services, additional financial and functional eligibility requirements apply. These may include meeting nursing facility level-of-care criteria.
Eligibility rules can be complex, so families should confirm their loved one's situation with Indiana Medicaid or the appropriate PathWays representative.
What Services Can PathWays Help Cover?
Eligible members may qualify for services and supports that help them remain safe and supported at home or in a community setting.
Depending on individual eligibility and authorization, PathWays waiver services may include:
Attendant Care: Assistance with personal care and everyday activities.
Structured Family Caregiving: Support for eligible individuals receiving care from a qualified family caregiver arrangement.
Respite Care: Temporary relief for primary caregivers.
Home Delivered Meals: Assistance with access to nutritious meals.
Adult Day Services: Supervised activities and support in a community setting.
Home Modifications: Certain changes to make a home safer and more accessible.
Personal Emergency Response Systems: Devices that help individuals call for assistance.
Transportation: Help getting to approved appointments and destinations.
Specialized Medical Equipment: Certain equipment based on approved needs.
Not every member automatically receives these services. Additional supports depend on the person's functional eligibility, approved service plan, and program requirements.
Is There a Waiting List for Indiana PathWays?
This is one of the most important things families should understand.
There is a difference between being enrolled in the PathWays program and receiving services through the PathWays Medicaid Waiver.
There is no general waiting list for the overall PathWays program. However, individuals who qualify for waiver services may be placed on the PathWays Medicaid Waiver waiting list while they wait for an invitation to access those services.
According to Indiana FSSA's October 2026 update, 12,680 individuals were on the PathWays Medicaid Waiver waiting list.
This does not mean all 12,680 people are waiting to enroll in PathWays. It refers specifically to individuals waiting for access to waiver services.
Indiana uses an invitation process to move eligible individuals from the waiting list into waiver services. Certain priority situations, such as transitions from nursing facilities or hospital discharges, may also be considered under the state's process.
Families should keep contact information current and respond promptly to official notices. If an invitation is received, pay close attention to the deadlines and instructions.
How Do Families Apply for PathWays for Aging?
If your loved one is not currently enrolled in Indiana Medicaid, the first step is to apply for Medicaid.
Families can begin through the Indiana FSSA Benefits Portal:
Applicants may also use the state's Indiana Navigator resource to find assistance with the application process.
If your loved one is already enrolled in Indiana Medicaid and is eligible for PathWays, the state provides information about enrollment and health plan selection.
For questions about PathWays enrollment or choosing a health plan, contact:
Indiana PathWays for Aging Helpline877-284-9294
For help understanding PathWays notices or program questions, members can also contact:
Member Support Services877-738-3511
Keep in mind that applying for Medicaid does not automatically approve someone for waiver services. Additional assessments and authorization may be required.
What Happens After Someone Is Enrolled?
Once enrolled, members can work with their health plan to understand their benefits and available support.
The process may include:
Health Assessment: The health plan gathers information about the member's health, daily needs, and personal goals.
Care Coordination: Members can receive care coordination to help connect them with appropriate services.
Functional Assessment: Individuals seeking certain long-term services and supports may need an assessment to determine whether they meet the required level of care.
Service Planning: If eligible, a service coordinator or appropriate care team helps develop a plan based on the person's needs and approved services.
Service Arrangements: Approved services are coordinated with qualified providers.
Families should ask questions if they do not understand a notice, assessment result, service plan, or decision about coverage.
Does PathWays Pay for Home Care in Indiana?
It may help cover certain home and community-based services for individuals who meet the program's requirements.
However, not every person enrolled in PathWays automatically qualifies for in-home care or waiver services.
The type of care, number of approved hours, provider requirements, and payment arrangements depend on the member's eligibility and authorized service plan.
Families should contact the member's health plan or service coordinator to confirm:
Whether the individual qualifies for home and community-based services
Which services have been approved
Whether a particular home care provider is eligible to deliver the service
What steps are required before care can begin
It is important to verify these details before making financial or caregiving decisions.
How Nurtured Home Care Indiana Can Help
Understanding senior care options can feel overwhelming, especially when families are trying to balance work, personal responsibilities, and the needs of an aging loved one.
Nurtured Home Care Indiana helps families explore care options and understand the support that may be available for their loved ones.
Our team provides home care support focused on helping individuals maintain comfort, dignity, and independence in their own homes.
Whether your family is exploring care for the first time, looking for caregiver support, or trying to understand available home care options, having a conversation can be a helpful first step.
Serving Fort Wayne, Elkhart, and surrounding Indiana communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana PathWays for Aging
1. Is PathWays only for people who are 65 and older?
No. PathWays is generally for eligible Indiana Medicaid members who are 60 and older. Other eligibility requirements apply.
2. Can someone have both Medicare and PathWays?
Yes. Some PathWays members receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
3. Does everyone enrolled in PathWays receive in-home care?
No. Enrollment in PathWays does not automatically qualify someone for waiver services. Additional financial and functional eligibility requirements may apply.
4. Can a family member get paid to provide care?
Some eligible members may qualify for Structured Family Caregiving or other approved services involving family caregivers. Specific eligibility, provider requirements, and payment arrangements must be confirmed through the health plan and program.
5. How do I find out if my parent qualifies?
Start by reviewing Medicaid eligibility and contacting the Indiana PathWays for Aging Helpline at 877-284-9294. If your parent is already enrolled, contact their health plan to discuss available services and assessment requirements.
Helping Indiana Families Make Informed Care Decisions
Indiana PathWays for Aging can be an important resource for eligible older adults and their families. Understanding the difference between Medicaid enrollment, waiver eligibility, and approved home care services can help families make more informed decisions.
If you are exploring home care for a loved one, you do not have to figure out every option on your own.
Contact Nurtured Home Care Indiana today to discuss your family's home care needs.
Nurtured Home Care IndianaPhone: (260) 418-9911Website: www.nhcindiana.comServing Fort Wayne, Elkhart, and surrounding areas.
Program details, eligibility requirements, covered services, and availability may change. Always confirm current information with Indiana FSSA, Indiana Medicaid, or the member's PathWays health plan.
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