FAQ

Yes! If your loved one qualifies for Indiana’s Aged & Disabled Medicaid Waiver, you can be paid to provide non-medical, in-home care through the Attendant Care program or through the Structural Family Caregiving program, both offered by EmpathyKare Home Care.

You may qualify if you:

• Live in Indiana
• For Structual Family Caregiving Program, you must live in the home of the client
• Have a loved one approved for the Aged & Disabled Waiver
• Are a spouse, adult child, sibling, grandchild, cousin, or close friend
• Can provide care in the home
• Are willing to complete training and a background check

You can help with:

• Meal preparation and feeding
• Bathing, dressing, or toileting
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Medication reminders
• Companionship and mobility assistance
• All care must align with the Medicaid-approved care plan.

We’re a family-first, Medicaid-compliant agency offering:

• Weekly pay
• Help with all paperwork and onboarding
• A friendly, knowledgeable local team
• Flexible schedules that support your home life

Call us at(765) 823-0896

or email: empathy@empathykare.com

We’ll verify your loved one’s Medicaid eligibility;

Complete background check and training;

Start caring for your loved one—and get paid!

Yes, we do accept payment through Structured Family Caregiving, but only if the caregiver lives in the same home as the family member receiving care.

If you do not live in the home, you are still eligible to provide care—you would simply qualify under Attendant Care services instead. The difference depends solely on your living situation, but both options are covered under Indiana’s Medicaid Waiver Program.

At Empathy Kare Home Care:

We accept long term insurance and VA benefits, which operate under their own insurance system. Private pay is also available.

In short:

Live with your loved one? You may qualify for Structured Family Caregiving.

Live separately? You may qualify for Attendant Care services and can still be paid to care for your loved one.

Many families don’t realize these are two different payment pathways, but both allow loved ones to receive care through the Medicaid waiver.

EmpathyKare can help you understand which fits your situation best.

We serve all of Indiana, including major cities and counties such as:

Cities: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Carmel, Bloomington, Lafayette, Gary, Muncie, Terre Haute

Counties: Marion, Allen, Vanderburgh, St. Joseph, Hamilton, Monroe, Tippecanoe, Lake, Delaware, Vigo

Through engaging conversations that actively involve listening to our clients while regularly checking for understanding in our client's needs and preferences about his or her health, daily routine, and personal goals. Based on this information, we create a customized care plan that addresses both immediate needs and long-term well-being, ensuring that we provide the best possible care.

Yes, all of our caregivers undergo thorough training and we also check for competency prior to client assignments. Some of the training includes:

• First Aid Skiils
• Safety Precautions
• Client and Family Communication Skills
• Basic Hygiene Supervision and Assistance
• Nutrition
• Body Mechanics
• Alzheimer and Dementia Training
• Clean and safety environment

Yes, we are proud to offer home care services to veterans. With a co-owner who is a veteran, we have a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by veterans and their families. We also assist in connecting veterans with additional resources and support services that may be available to them.

We offer a wide range of non-medical home care services, including personal care, companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation, errands, and respite care. Additionally, we provide skilled nursing care for more specialized care needs, as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia care and transitional care for clients recovering from surgery or illness.

Step 1: Understand Medicaid Waivers

Medicaid waivers allow states to use Medicaid funds to support individuals with disabilities or special needs in community-based settings instead of institutional care. These waivers vary by state and offer different services, so understanding the options available in your area is essential.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Eligibility criteria for Medicaid waivers typically include factors such as income level, medical need, and residency requirements. Contact your local Medicaid office or state agency to confirm your eligibility.

Step 3: Gather Necessary Documentation

Prepare documentation that supports your application. This may include:

• Proof of income and assets
• Medical evaluations or disability assessments
• Identification documents

Step 4: Complete the Application

Visit the Arc of Indiana Medicaid Waivers page for guidance specific to Indiana. Many states provide online applications, while others require in-person or mail-in submissions. Follow the instructions provided by your state.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Submit the completed application along with all required documentation to the appropriate office or agency listed in the application instructions.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Once submitted, applications may take several weeks or months to process. During this time, the agency may contact you for additional information or schedule an interview.

Step 7: Follow Up

Keep track of your application status by contacting your state’s Medicaid office. Ensure that all additional requests for documentation or clarification are addressed promptly.

Step 8: Approval and Next Steps

If approved, you’ll receive information about the services and supports available through the waiver. If denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.

For more details specific to Indiana, visit the official page on Medicaid Waivers: Medicaid Waivers - Arc of Indiana.

On July 1, 2024, Indiana implemented significant changes to its Medicaid Waiver programs to enhance service delivery and address budgetary concerns. These modifications include the restructuring of existing waivers, the introduction of new programs, and adjustments to caregiver compensation policies.

Restructuring of Waivers

The Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver was divided into two distinct programs:

• PathWays for Aging Waiver: Designed for individuals aged 60 and above, this waiver focuses on providing services tailored to the needs of older adults.ArcIND
• Health and Wellness (H&W) Waiver: Catering to individuals aged 59 and younger, the H&W Waiver offers services aimed at promoting health and well-being among younger populations.ArcIND

Administrative Changes

The administration of these waivers has been restructured:

• The Bureau of Disability Services (BDS) now oversees the Health and Wellness Waiver.
• The PathWays for Aging Waiver is managed by the Division of Aging.

Adjustments to Caregiver Compensation

Changes have been made regarding who can be compensated for providing care:

• Attendant Care: Legally Responsible Individuals (LRIs), such as parents of minor children and spouses, are no longer eligible for payment for providing Attendant Care services.
• Structured Family Caregiving (SFC): This service allows caregivers to be paid for providing care to individuals living with them. However, LRIs and legal guardians cannot be paid to provide Home and Community Assistance (Homemaker Services).

Service Modifications

Several services have been updated to better meet the needs of participants:

• Home Modification Assessments: Individuals seeking to modify their homes using waiver services are now required to have an independent assessment to ensure appropriateness.
• Vehicle Modifications: The cap on vehicle modifications has been adjusted from a lifetime limit to a 10-year cap, allowing for more flexibility over time.

These changes aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Indiana's Medicaid Waiver programs, ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately to support individuals in need.

For more detailed information, please visit the Medicaid & Medicaid Waiver Updates page on The Arc of Indiana's website.