State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
Indiana
Program Overview
Overview
Indiana's Medicaid program includes HCBS waiver options and a Family Supports Waiver. The Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) model allows family caregivers to be paid in some situations.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Indiana does not have a Katie Beckett or TEFRA pathway. Instead, all four of its 1915(c) waivers count only the child's income and are open to children of all incomes: Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH), Family Supports, Health and Wellness (formerly Aged and Disabled, ages 0-59), and Traumatic Brain Injury. Children with mental or behavioral health needs may also access the 1915(i) Children's Mental Health Wraparound program.
Child-relevant waivers
The Family Supports Waiver and Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) Waiver are the most relevant for children with developmental disabilities. For adults with physical disabilities or chronic illness who need nursing-facility level of care, Indiana's Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver is the primary adult HCBS program. The A&D Waiver covers personal care, home health aide, adult day services, respite, and other community supports. Indiana also has a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver for adults with acquired brain injuries.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
Children with developmental disabilities or complex medical needs who meet level-of-care criteria and financial eligibility may qualify for waiver services.
Financial and income rules
Medicaid financial rules apply. For waiver programs, income and resource rules are set by the specific waiver.
Level of care
Level-of-care criteria vary by waiver. Institutional level of care is typically required for HCBS waivers.
Age rules
Family Supports Waiver and CIH serve individuals of varying ages. Early intervention begins at birth.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact Indiana's Division of Aging or Bureau of Developmental Services depending on the waiver being sought.
Documents needed
Disability documentation, medical records, and financial information are typically required.
Waitlist information
Indiana has large waiting lists — about 9,450 people with developmental disabilities and 13,150 with physical disabilities are waiting. Apply as early as possible.
Practical next step
Contact Indiana's Bureau of Developmental Services and ask about the Family Supports Waiver and CIH Waiver intake process. For non-Medicaid supports, contact Indiana VR.
Services & Support
Services available
Waiver services can include in-home supports, habilitation, respite, day programs, and community integration.
Parent caregiver pay
Indiana suspended its paid parent caregiver program for the Health and Wellness and TBI waivers in January 2024, though litigation is underway and some families may retain benefits in the interim. The Family Supports Waiver allows parents of minors to be paid for Participant Assistance and Care services up to 40 hours per week when the care is extraordinary and the parent is hired through an agency. The Structured Family Caregiving option still pays a daily stipend to a family member providing in-home care under a formal agreement.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Indiana Assistive Technology Act Project / Easterseals Crossroads (eastersealscrossroads.org) — free device demonstrations, short-term loans, and AT reuse programs statewide.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Indiana Medicaid covers behavioral health services through managed care plans (MCEs) and the fee-for-service program. Covered services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis services, and community mental health services. The Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) oversees public behavioral health. Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) are the primary access points. Children can access behavioral health services through EPSDT and school-based programs.
Additional notes
Indiana's Structured Family Caregiving model is one of the more developed programs in the country for families who want to be compensated for the care they provide at home.
State-Specific Resources
Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) — Employment Services
Indiana VR (in.gov/fssa/vr) helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep employment. Services include vocational evaluation, job training, assistive technology, job coaching, and supported employment. Services are free and available statewide. VR also serves transition-age youth (ages 14+) with transition planning and employment preparation.
Indiana Assistive Technology Resources — Device Loans & Financing
Indiana has assistive technology resources and loan programs available through vocational rehabilitation and independent living centers statewide. Contact your local VR office or Indiana FSSA for information on device loans, demonstrations, and low-interest financing options.
Indiana Early Intervention (Birth to Age 3)
Indiana's Early Intervention program serves families with children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Services are provided in homes and communities and are family-focused. Referrals can be made by anyone through the Indiana Department of Health.
Indiana Disability Rights — Legal Advocacy & P&A
Indiana Disability Rights is the state's Protection and Advocacy agency, providing free legal services, advocacy, and information on disability rights, education rights, employment issues, and abuse/neglect.
Indiana — No State Paid Family Leave
Indiana does not currently have a state-mandated paid family leave or temporary disability insurance program. Workers must rely on federal FMLA (unpaid) or employer-provided benefits. Some employers may offer voluntary Short-Term Disability or paid leave benefits.
Sources
Recent news for Indiana
Yahoo Finance · October 12, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers
An informational guide outlines the eligibility requirements and application process for Indiana's Home and Community Based Services Medicaid waivers.
The Rochester Sentinel · October 8, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers, Funding & Budget
Indiana officials have temporarily paused disability Medicaid waiver decisions to conduct a review of how new assessment tools are being used by staff.
WTHR on MSN · October 8, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers, Benefits (SSI/SSDI)
Indiana health authorities are reassessing hundreds of residents with disabilities after a period of pausing Medicaid waiver determinations led to numerous denials.
95.3 MNC · October 8, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers
Indiana has begun processing applications for disability Medicaid waivers again following a temporary pause for program review.
Hoosier Enquirer · October 4, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers, Funding & Budget
Indiana state officials have resumed issuing denials for Medicaid waivers, sparking concerns from advocates seeking transparency on the decision-making process.
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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