Does the Indiana Health & Wellness Waiver Cover Respite Care for an Adult Under 60?

Indiana’s Health & Wellness Waiver may cover respite care for an eligible adult under age 60, but age alone does not establish coverage. The person must qualify for the waiver, complete the required assessment process, and have the appropriate respite service authorized in an approved care plan.

Does the Health & Wellness Waiver Cover Respite Care?

Yes, the Health & Wellness Waiver may cover respite care when it addresses an assessed need and is included in the participant’s approved service plan. Indiana lists respite services among the supports available through the H&W Waiver, which helps qualifying people receive services at home or in another community setting rather than entering a nursing facility. (Government of Indiana)

Coverage is not automatic for every participant. Approval may depend on:

• Medicaid and waiver eligibility
• Functional and level-of-care findings
• The unpaid caregiver’s responsibilities
• The participant’s person-centered service plan
• The exact respite category authorized
• Provider qualifications and availability

Families needing a broader program explanation can review the Health & Wellness respite care guide  and the central Indiana Medicaid respite care resource.

Is the H&W Waiver Only for Adults Under Age 60?

No. Indiana describes the Health & Wellness Waiver as serving eligible individuals age 59 and younger, so the published age range is not limited only to adults. PathWays for Aging generally applies to qualifying people age 60 and older. (Government of Indiana)

For an adult between ages 18 and 59, the Health and Wellness Waiver age limit is only one part of the eligibility review. The person must also meet Indiana Medicaid requirements, live in or transition to an eligible community setting, and satisfy the applicable nursing-facility level-of-care standard. Indiana evaluates level of care during the application process and reviews it periodically after enrollment. (Government of Indiana)

A disability diagnosis or age under 60 does not independently guarantee enrollment, respite approval, or a specific number of service hours.

What Must Be Approved Before H&W Respite Care Can Begin?

Before H&W respite care begins, the appropriate Indiana program representatives must approve the participant, service, provider type, hours, schedule, and other care-plan details.

The service plan should identify:

• Why caregiver relief is needed
• What assistance the participant requires
• When and where care will occur
• The authorized frequency or hours
• The professional service level
• The approved provider

Indiana’s official terminology distinguishes Respite Care Services delivered by a home health aide from respite provided by a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. The exact authorization therefore matters when selecting an agency. (Government of Indiana)

Nana Cares provides non-medical support only. It does not provide licensed nursing, therapy, medical treatment, clinical assessments, or medication administration. Families can learn more about getting H&W respite authorized before contacting providers.

How Can a Family Confirm the Authorized Respite Service?

To verify H&W Waiver respite benefits, contact the participant’s care manager and request clear confirmation of the current service plan and authorization.

Ask:

• Is respite currently authorized?
• What exact service name appears in the plan?
• Are home health aide, LPN, or RN qualifications required?
• Which activities are approved?
• How many hours and dates are authorized?
• Which providers are approved for the service?
• Does the provider serve the participant’s county?
• Are there remaining enrollment or intake steps?

Indiana waiver providers must complete state HCBS certification, Indiana Health Coverage Programs enrollment, and the applicable waiver-program enrollment process. Certification may be limited by service and county, so families should verify the exact match rather than relying on a general claim that an agency accepts Medicaid. (Government of Indiana)

Families ready to compare agencies can review the H&W respite provider in Indianapolis guide.

Ask Nana Cares About H&W Waiver Respite Support

Nana Cares provides non-medical home care for adults with disabilities age 18 and older. Its services may include companionship, supervision, personal-care assistance, meal and routine support, homemaker help tied to care, medication reminders, and caregiver relief when included in the authorized plan. Nana Cares states that it accepts Health & Wellness Waiver clients when services are authorized, but Medicaid and the participant’s case manager determine eligibility and coverage. (Nana Cares LLC)

Contact Nana Cares to discuss the approved non-medical needs, requested schedule, service address, provider fit, caregiver preferences, and current availability.

Nana Cares cannot determine waiver eligibility, authorize respite care, provide nursing respite, guarantee coverage, or promise a start date.