Indiana's PathWays Waiver and long-term-care Medicaid for a nursing home use a similar Special Income Limit and asset test, but pay for very different settings -- the waiver pays for care services inside a licensed community or at home, while nursing-home Medicaid pays for 24-hour skilled nursing care in a Comprehensive Care Facility.
The waitlist difference
Nursing home Medicaid is an entitlement in Indiana -- if a person meets the clinical and financial criteria, coverage is available. The PathWays Waiver is capped and has carried a waitlist historically (9,015 people at its July 2024 launch); confirm current status with CICOA before assuming a short wait.
Room and board
Nursing-home Medicaid covers room and board as part of the facility's daily rate. PathWays does not -- room and board for assisted-living-style care runs through the separate RCAP program instead.
