Assisted Living in Indiana
What It Costs Across Indiana
Navigating the costs of assisted living in Indiana can feel overwhelming, but understanding the landscape helps. While the statewide median is $4,283 per month, Genworth's 2023 Cost of Care Survey reports the average monthly cost for assisted living in Indiana is approximately $5,013. Prices vary significantly across the state, largely depending on location, the specific services offered, and the amenities available. You'll find that urban areas often have higher costs due to increased property values and living expenses. For instance, Evansville can be among the most expensive, averaging around $7,245 per month, with Terre Haute also seeing higher costs at approximately $6,131 to $7,245 per month. Conversely, some areas like Bloomington and Indianapolis can offer more affordable options, ranging from $3,108 to $3,993 per month according to some reports, although Indianapolis's average has also been cited at $4,036 in 2023.
Will Medicaid Help Pay?
Yes, Indiana's Medicaid program can offer crucial support for assisted living services through the Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver. This waiver helps cover home and community-based services, including those provided in assisted living facilities, for individuals who would otherwise require nursing home care. However, it's important to understand that the waiver primarily covers the cost of care services, not typically the full room and board expenses. To be eligible, a single applicant for 2026 generally needs a monthly income under $2,982 and countable assets under $2,000. Applicants must also meet a "nursing facility level of care," meaning they need assistance with at least two activities of daily living.
A significant challenge is that the A&D Waiver is not an entitlement program, meaning there are limited enrollment slots, and a waitlist exists. A waitlist was implemented on April 3, 2024, and by July 2024, it had grown to nearly 13,000 people. While 5,000 additional slots were anticipated in July 2024, the current waiting list is larger, indicating potentially long waits. Those transitioning from a nursing home or hospital may receive priority. You should contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to get on the waitlist.
How to Find a Good Facility
Indiana has approximately 311 to 320 assisted living facilities listed in directories. In Indiana, facilities that use the term "assisted living" and provide certain health-related and supportive services must register as a "Housing with Services Establishment" with the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Division of Aging. If a facility provides medication administration or nursing care, it must also be licensed by the Indiana State Department of Health (IDOH) as a Residential Care Facility (RCF).
When searching, prioritize facilities licensed by the IDOH. During visits, pay close attention to the staff-to-resident ratio, the warmth of interactions, and the overall cleanliness and atmosphere. Inquire about safety features, emergency plans, and the types of care services available. Always ask for a clear breakdown of all costs and the facility's Resident Rights document. To check inspection records, you can directly ask the facility for its most recent Indiana State Department of Health survey report. The IDOH also maintains a "Residential Care Facility Directory" and provides "Facility Consumer Reports" on its website, which include survey history and information about licensed facilities. These reports, typically posted four to six weeks after an inspection, can offer valuable insights into a facility's compliance history.
Last updated: March 2026. Sources: Genworth 2024, state licensing agency.