Medicaid Waiver
What is a Medicaid Waiver?
Indiana Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)
Medicaid Waivers, also known as Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), fund supports for individuals with disabilities at home or in the community. These Indiana Medicaid waiver programs help people avoid institutional care while promoting independence and quality of life.
Indiana HCBS Waiver Programs
Indiana offers four HCBS waiver programs designed to serve specific populations:
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Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) Waiver
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Family Supports Waiver (FSW)
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Aged and Disabled Waiver
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
Each waiver provides services based on individual needs and eligibility criteria.
Services Covered Under Indiana HCBS Waivers
Indiana HCBS waivers may cover a wide range of disability support services, including:
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Respite care
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Participant Assistance and Care (PAC)
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Behavior management services
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Family and caregiver training
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Music therapy
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Recreational therapy
Services vary by waiver and individual service plan.
Choosing the Right Indiana Medicaid Waiver
Most families qualify for the Family Supports Waiver (FSW) or the Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) Waiver. To qualify, an individual must have an intellectual or developmental disability or related condition. The diagnosis must occur before age 22 and remain lifelong.
Individuals must also show significant limitations in at least three of these six areas:
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Mobility
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Learning
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Language use and understanding
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Self-direction
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Self-care
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Independent living skills
Financial Eligibility for Indiana Waivers
Indiana Medicaid considers the income and resources of the individual receiving waiver services. For children under 18, parental income does not count unless the family seeks Medicaid before waiver enrollment.
The Family Supports Waiver has an annual service cap of $26,482. The CIH Waiver budget depends on the individual’s needs, supports, and living arrangement.
How Do I Apply?
For more information on Indiana’s Medicaid waiver program, a complete list of qualifications and to apply, visit the Family and Social Services Administration.
Meet our Staff
Heather Stevens
Waiver Services Director
Heather began her journey with LittleStar in 2018 as a (RBT) before transitioning to the Waiver Services department in 2022. Over the past four years, she has developed extensive knowledge of Indiana Medicaid Waiver services and is dedicated to helping individuals and families access the supports they need to thrive.
As Waiver Services Director, Heather is passionate about expanding quality services across Indiana while ensuring families receive compassionate guidance and personalized support throughout their journey. She is committed to building meaningful relationships with the individuals LittleStar serves, collaborating with community partners, and empowering her team to provide exceptional, person-centered care. Heather takes pride in helping create opportunities that promote independence, inclusion, and an improved quality of life for every individual and family she serves.
