Planning for Long-Term Care in Indiana
Whether you’re preparing for your own future or helping a parent or loved one navigate aging, planning for long-term care is one of the most important — and compassionate — steps you can take. Most of us will need help with daily tasks at some point in life, but few are financially or emotionally prepared for the costs and complexity of care.
Let’s break down what long-term care looks like in Indiana and how you can plan ahead.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Long-term care (LTC) isn’t just about nursing homes. It includes a wide range of support services like:
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In-home health care
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Assisted living
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Memory care
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Skilled nursing facilities
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Adult day care services
With people living longer, the chances of needing this type of support increase. Whether it’s due to chronic illness, mobility issues, or cognitive decline, having a plan in place ensures you or your loved ones can make informed decisions and maintain dignity and independence when care is needed.
The Cost of Care in Indiana
Here’s a snapshot of average monthly long-term care costs in Indiana for 2025:
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Home health aide (44 hrs/week): ~$5,700
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Assisted living: ~$4,500
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Nursing home (semi-private room): ~$8,800
These expenses can quickly drain retirement savings, especially if care is needed for several years.
Who Pays for Long-Term Care?
Many people assume Medicare will cover their long-term care needs — unfortunately, that’s not the case for most situations.
| Payment Source | Covers LTC? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare | ❌ Limited | Covers only short-term rehab (up to 100 days under specific conditions) |
| Medicaid (Indiana) | ✅ Yes, with eligibility | Requires meeting income and asset limits |
| Private LTC Insurance | ✅ Yes | Helps pay for care at home or in a facility |
| Personal Savings | ✅ Yes | Many families self-fund, but it can be financially overwhelming |
| Veterans Benefits | ✅ Maybe | Available to qualifying veterans and their spouses |
A Smart Option: LTC Insurance & Indemnity Plans
Indiana participates in the Long-Term Care Partnership Program, which offers asset protection for residents who purchase qualifying LTC insurance. This means if you later need Medicaid, you can keep more of your assets — dollar for dollar — equal to the amount your policy paid out.
At Hartman Insurance Services, we help clients compare traditional long-term care policies and indemnity plans — including cash indemnity policies.
What’s a Cash Indemnity Plan?
When you qualify for care, these plans pay a monthly benefit directly to you, not to a care provider. You can use the funds however you see fit — to pay a home health aide, modify your home, or even pay a family member for helping you.
Because they’re not traditional LTC insurance, premiums are typically lower, coverage is flexible, and as long as you continue paying, the policy stays in force for life.
Legal and Financial Planning Steps
In addition to securing coverage, here are five steps to help you legally and financially prepare for long-term care:
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Create a Durable Power of Attorney – for managing finances if you’re unable to.
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Designate a Health Care Representative – to make medical decisions on your behalf.
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Draft an Advance Directive – to ensure your wishes are known and respected.
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Meet with an Elder Law Attorney – especially to explore Medicaid planning options.
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Review your estate plan – including wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations.
Caregiver Support in Indiana
Caring for a loved one is both meaningful and demanding. Indiana provides resources to help:
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INconnect Alliance – connects you to local Area Agencies on Aging
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FSSA (Family and Social Services Administration) – offers Medicaid waivers and support services
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Local nonprofits and churches – may offer respite care and caregiver support groups
Advocacy for Facility Residents
If you or a loved one resides in a nursing home, assisted living, or memory care facility, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program of Northeast Indiana is a free, confidential resource.
They advocate for resident rights, resolve complaints, and ensure access to safe, respectful care.
They serve these Indiana counties: Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley — reaching over 8,600 residents across 101 facilities.
📍 Contact
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program of Northeast Indiana
3201 Stellhorn Rd., Ste C106, Fort Wayne, IN 46815
📞 260-469-3161
📧 Zanzy@Doingthegood-ombudsman.org
🌐 longtermcareombudsman.org
Click here to watch and learn more about this program.
Final Thoughts
Planning for long-term care is more than a financial decision — it’s an act of love. It gives you and your family confidence, dignity, and peace of mind for the years ahead.
Whether you’re exploring coverage options, preparing documents, or just starting the conversation, we are here to help. Our team will walk with you every step of the way to ensure you make informed, confident decisions.
💬 Ready to talk with a licensed agent?
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.