FSSA, Indiana’s state Medicaid agency, implemented a waiting list for in-home Pathways waiver services in April 2024. Current waiting times for waiver services are believed to be between 1–2 years, although this can vary.
If you are currently on the waiver waiting list or considering joining, please consider the following services and suggestions that might be of assistance while you wait.
Accelerated Waiver Eligibility Due to Hospitalization
Individuals who are hospitalized may receive priority waiver placement. Please contact our office or Aging & In-Home Services immediately if someone who is on the waitlist is hospitalized.
PACE of Northeast Indiana (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)
PACE is a program run jointly by Aging & In-Home Services and Parkview. Currently, it’s available only to Allen County residents. The income and asset limits and eligibility rules are the same as for the Pathways waiver. Individuals on Medicare but not Medicaid can also privately pay about $4,500 per month to join. PACE provides care coordination, medical and therapeutic services, and transportation – all at the PACE Center on Lake Avenue in Fort Wayne. (www.pacenein.org)
Money Follows the Person (MFP)
This program helps nursing home residents of at least 60 days transition to in-home care. It can accelerate a person off the wait list to receiving in-home waiver services. Eligibility and financial rules are the same as for the Pathways waiver. (in.gov/fssa/ddars/bba/medicaid-hcbs/money-follows-the-person)
CHOICE (Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled)
A state-funded program for individuals 60+ or disabled who risk losing independence. Applicants must have under approximately $270,000 in assets (excluding their home). Services include personal care, home modifications, transportation, and case management. Wait times may be similar to the Pathways waiver. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging at in.gov/fssa/ddars/bba/area-agencies-on-aging/.
GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience)
Available free to anyone on Medicare A & B with a dementia diagnosis. Provides symptom management, caregiver education and support, and funds for respite care. Call Aging & In-Home Services at 260-999-4106 or visit agingihs.org/guide.
Behavioral and Primary Health Care Coordination (BPHC) Waiver
No waitlist. Available to individuals with two or more mental health diagnoses (e.g., dementia and depression/anxiety). No asset limit, but monthly income must be under 300% of the federal poverty limit ($2,901 in 2025). Includes healthcare case management and coordination. Visit in.gov/fssa/dmha/mental-health-services/adult-1915i-programs/behavioral-and-primary-healthcare-coordination/ for more details.
Kristin L. Steckbeck
October 2025