What is Indiana PathWays for Aging?

Introduction

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has launched the Indiana PathWays for Aging program, benefiting over 123,000 eligible Hoosiers aged 60 and above.

Program Overview

According to Indiana Medicaid Director Cora Steinmetz, “This is an exciting day for Indiana as we go live with this transformative program.” The program aims to improve health and wellbeing, provide choices for aging in place, and manage Medicaid costs effectively.

How It Works

PathWays for Aging is a Medicaid managed care program. Individuals can contact a care coordinator for assistance, making it easier for Hoosiers to stay in their homes.

Additional Services

Some individuals may qualify for additional services through the PathWays home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver. The program replaces the Aged and Disabled Waiver with two new waivers: the PathWays Waiver for those aged 60 and older and the Health and Wellness Waiver for those 59 and younger.

Waiver Slots

The federal approvals designate a specific number of slots for each waiver. For example, the PathWays Waiver has 39,842 slots, with 10,574 available for new applicants. The Health and Wellness Waiver has 16,127 slots, with 2,937 available for new applicants.

Waiting List

As of now, 9,015 people are on the waiting list for the PathWays Waiver, and 3,762 are on the waiting list for the Health and Wellness Waiver. FSSA plans to invite individuals each month to continue the process of receiving services.

Transition to New Caregiving Options

Legally responsible individuals are no longer permitted to provide Attendant Care. Instead, options like Structured Family Caregiving or non-legally responsible Attendant Care are available. More than 1,700 members have already transitioned to new service plans.

Future Plans

In mid-2025, a new Structured Family Caregiving Level of Service Assessment will be introduced to better determine the appropriate tier of service for families.

Source: Indiana Family and Social Services Administration press release