Pathways for Aging

The top official at the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration said the state's new long-term care program for Medicaid members over 60 hasn't met expectations. The statement contradicts claims the agency made under the previous administration, but aligns with concerns providers have raised.

The Family and Social Services Administration is giving people 180 days to complete a service plan and several assessments to start receiving services — after they are invited off of the waiver waitlists.

Medicaid members and providers continue to encounter problems with the implementation of the state’s new long-term care program for people over 60. One lawmaker said the dedicated support line isn’t able to provide basic information.

The Family and Social Services Administration said the launch of the new long-term care program for Medicaid members over 60 is going well. But several Pathways for Aging program providers are raising concerns about aspects of the implementation.

Medicaid members in the Pathways for Aging program will have the opportunity to change plans during the first open enrollment period since the new program launched in July. Open enrollment starts on October 15.

Indiana launched a new long-term care program in July for Medicaid members 60 years or older. Medicaid officials say they plan to monitor the Pathways for Aging program closely for a full year to catch any potential issues.

The Family and Social Services Administration provided updates on waitlists for home- and community-based services Monday. It also addressed the concerns from the families of medically complex children about its decisions to change how those services can be delivered.

Despite concerns about the implementation of a new Indiana Medicaid waiver program, state officials say the insurance companies in charge of the transition have met the readiness requirements. Medicaid members 60 years or older on the Aged and Disabled waiver will transition to a new service structure on July 1.

The Family and Social Services Administration said Medicaid members 60 years or older need to select their Pathways for Aging health plan or they will be auto enrolled starting in late April.