The federal government provides the regulatory framework and joint funding for the Medicaid programs administered by each state to deliver essential health care services to low-income residents. The Indiana Medicaid program provides coverage for one in five state residents, including approximately 325,000 seniors and disabled or blind adults.
Eligible Indiana residents receive coverage for a number of health care services, including doctor and specialist visits, hospital and emergency-room care, diagnostic tests, prescription medications and long-term nursing home care.
Qualifying for Medicaid Long-term Care
Crown Point residents who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents can qualify for Medicaid long-term care coverage if they’re aged 65 or older or aged 64 and younger and blind or disabled. Applicants must also be assessed to confirm their need for long-term care and meet the program’s financial limitations of:
- $2,313 per person in personal income monthly
- $2,000 in countable assets for individuals or $3,000 for couples applying together
While all income counts when determining Medicaid eligibility, some assets are automatically exempt, including personal effects, one vehicle, irrevocable burial trusts, a primary home worth $585,000 or less and household furnishings.
Federal and state laws are in place to protect married individuals from impoverishment when their spouse applies for Medicaid coverage. The non-applicant may receive up to $3,160.50 of their spouse’s monthly income and keep up to $126,420 in joint assets as
living and resource allowances.
Crown Point seniors and disabled adults who successfully apply for
Supplemental Security Income benefits automatically receive full Medicaid coverage.
Seniors in Crown Point can
apply for Indiana Medicaid online or call (800) 403-0864.
Indiana Aged and Disabled Waiver While the Indiana Medicaid program only covers institutional nursing home care as an entitlement, the state also offers the
Aged and Disabled waiver to Medicaid-eligible seniors who need long-term care but can safely live in a community setting. The waiver helps the state reduce institutional-care costs and allows seniors a higher quality of life and greater independence.
The A&D waiver covers medical services offered through regular Medicaid along with a range of supportive services delivered in an enrollee’s home, a licensed adult foster home or assisted living community. Those accepted into the program are evaluated so a care plan can be developed to meet their needs through various services, such as:
- Transition assistance to move back to the community
- Assisted living services
- Personal care and assistance with daily living activities
- Personal emergency response systems
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Prepared meals and snacks
- Nutritional supplements
- Transportation services
The waiver isn’t a Medicaid entitlement program and enrollment is capped, so qualified seniors may be placed on a waiting list before receiving covered services.
Those who wish to enroll in the A&D waiver program should
apply for Medicaid coverage first and then contact the
Northwest Indiana Community Action Corporation at (219) 794-1829 to schedule a screening assessment.