Moving to Indiana
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Families of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) have a lot to consider when making a move to a new state. Often the supports and services they rely on are different. This fact sheet outlines services available in Indiana.
Federal ProgramsWhile Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) remains the same across states, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)* may not. Some states offer supplements that add to the base monthly federal SSI payment. The amount of the supplement may be affected by the living situation, marital status, and other factors. Eligibility for SSDI and SSI does not change, and federal benefits remain the same.
Original Medicare (Part A and B) is a federal program. Coverage, costs, and benefits should not be different from state to state. Moving should not impact benefits. Pricing and availability of private Optional Medicare plans (supplemental plans) do differ from state to state. Medicaid* eligibility and services vary from state to state. If you have the above federal programs and move to a different state, it is important to notify the program of your address change and any changes in your living situation. State Programs in IndianaFirst Steps* provides early intervention services for children, birth to age 3, who have developmental delays or show signs of being at-risk to have certain delays in the future. Services are coordinated to give qualifying children the widest possible array of early intervention resources.
Children’s Special Healthcare Services* provides supplemental medical coverage from birth to age twenty-one for treatment related to a child's serious, chronic medical condition(s). Eligibility is based on diagnosis(es) and household income. A family with a pre-tax income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level may qualify. Childcare Vouchers are available to families with an income up to 127% of the federal poverty level and who meet other eligibility criteria. Vouchers provide childcare assistance for CYSHCN up until their 18th birthday. Funding for vouchers is county specific. There are frequently waiting lists. Food* programs available in Indiana include Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Free and Reduced lunch. Medicaid Waivers* provide supports and services in the home and community rather than in an institutional setting. Parental income and assets are not considered when determining Medicaid eligibility for a child under the age of 18 who is applying for a waiver. Indiana has two different categories of home and community-based waiver programs: institutional level of care and nursing facility level of care. Individuals must meet eligibility requirements for either program. Families should be aware that there may be waiting lists for waiver services. Guardianship is not portable across state lines. Guardianship requirements vary by county. SchoolsArticle 7 outlines Indiana’s Special Education law. A parent-friendly guide to Article 7 is Navigating the Course: Finding Your Way Through Indiana's Special Education and is available here: https://www.in.gov/doe/students/special-education/laws-and-resources/
Special education services may begin as early as age 3 for children who qualify for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Supports and therapy services may continue through age 21, depending upon the child’s diagnosis and needs. Section 504* plans provide accommodations for children who are not eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) but whose illness, physical disability, or mental disability substantially limits one or more life activities, such as (but not limited to): caring for oneself, seeing, breathing, learning, and walking. Students with asthma, diabetes, allergies, cerebral palsy and other chronic health conditions may be eligible for a 504 plan. These plans are not generally created by special education departments. Indiana's Choice Scholarship Program (voucher program), provides scholarships to eligible Indiana students to offset tuition costs at participating schools. Eligibility criteria includes both household income requirements and student eligibility criteria. For more information on the Choice Scholarship Program and special education, please review the Choice Scholarship and Special Education Services FAQ available on the Choice Scholarship Program website at https://www.in.gov/doe/students/indiana-choice-scholarship- program/. In Indiana homeschooling is considered a private school placement. The school district of record can be responsible for offering a service plan to eligible students if families are interested in services. ProvidersFamilies seeking specialty medical care may have difficulty finding these services in rural areas. Children’s hospitals are frequently used for care coordination and specialty care, and there are two major hospitals located in the center of the state: Riley Children’s Hospital and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. Children’s hospitals near Indiana borders, such as those in Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, are frequently used by families living in close proximity to those facilities.
Therapy Providers are available throughout the state. Primary therapies, such as occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT) and speech therapy (SLT) are readily obtained, though some travel may be required. Specialty therapies, such as ABA therapy, music therapy, recreational therapy and other additional therapies are more difficult to access in rural areas than in the larger cities Additional ConsiderationsSome state programs require applicants to be Indiana residents. Residency is usually established after 30 days and with proof of residency/address documentation.
Additional InformationParent support groups, diagnosis-specific organizations, and other organizations may be able to offer additional information regarding programs and services. Every state has a Family-to-Family Health Information Center (F2F HIC). These centers are non-profit, family-staffed organizations that help families of CYSHCN and the professionals who serve them. Indiana Family to Family serves Indiana in this capacity. If you are moving to Indiana, or considering a move to Indiana, we’d be happy to assist. We can be reached by calling 844-323-4636, or by emailing info@inf2f.org
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Programs and systems change often. It is important to ensure that you are using the most current information. Please check https://www.inf2f.org/fact-sheets.html for the most recent edition.
This fact sheet was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $96,750 with 89% percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of INF2F and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
This fact sheet was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $96,750 with 89% percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of INF2F and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
