Indiana · BDDS / BDS Waivers

Indiana Medicaid waiver checklist

This checklist helps Indiana families organize the FSW/CIH application through the BDS Gateway portal and AAA intake for Health & Wellness or PathWays for Aging. It is an organizer, not an eligibility decision.

Step 1

Identify the right waiver track first

Indiana splits its waivers by need: FSW and CIH serve people with intellectual/developmental disabilities through BDS, while the Health & Wellness Waiver (under 60) and PathWays for Aging (60+) serve the aged-and-disabled population. Which track you are on determines where you apply.

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Step 2

For FSW/CIH: create a BDS Gateway account and apply online

The BDS Gateway portal is Indiana's primary application route for the FSW and CIH waivers, available 24/7. Save your username, submission date, and any confirmation number the moment you submit.

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Step 3

Know the paper fallback: State Form 55068

If the portal is not workable for your family, FSSA still accepts the paper application (State Form 55068), completed, signed, and returned to your local BDS district office. Keep a copy of everything you send.

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Step 4

For Health & Wellness or PathWays: call the Area Agency on Aging

The Health & Wellness Waiver and PathWays for Aging start with phone intake through your local Area Agency on Aging (statewide line 1-800-986-3505), not the BDS Gateway. Log the date, who you spoke with, and what they asked for.

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Step 5

Assemble diagnosis and eligibility documents

Gather diagnosis records, evaluations, school records (IEP), proof of Indiana residency, and identity documents before intake so nothing stalls the review. Index each document with its date and source.

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Step 6

Understand the FSW/CIH capacity pause (dated)

FSSA announced FSW and CIH reached maximum capacity in December 2025, with no new slots expected until at least July 2026. Applying still matters — it establishes your place — but set expectations and note the date you read any capacity update.

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Step 7

Check the waitlist portal and record your position

BDS launched an online waitlist portal/dashboard so families can confirm they are registered and check status (allow about five business days after applying for a registration to appear). Record the date and what you saw each time you check.

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Step 8

Keep your contact information current

Waiver invitations go out to the contact information on file. Families with stale addresses, phones, or emails can miss a targeted invitation entirely — verify your details through the waitlist dashboard and after any move.

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Step 9

Log every call and email

Keep one running log of every BDS, AAA, and FSSA contact: date, person, what was said, and the next action. FSSA directs waiver questions to local BDS offices or BDS.Help@fssa.in.gov — record which channel you used.

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Save this Indiana checklist Step-by-step application guide

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Last reviewed by WaiverPath: July 2, 2026.

Medicaid.gov Home & Community Based ServicesFederal HCBS overview describing home and community-based services for Medicaid beneficiaries.Indiana FSSA — BDS Medicaid HCBS WaiversOfficial Bureau of Disabilities Services page describing Indiana's HCBS waivers and the two application routes: the BDS Gateway portal and paper State Form 55068 to a local BDS office.Indiana FSSA — HCBS Waiver Waiting List InformationOfficial FSSA page with waiver waiting-list counts, priority-invitation rules, and the online waitlist dashboard for checking registration status.BDS Gateway portalIndiana's online portal for applying for BDS waiver services (FSW/CIH), available 24/7. The primary application route for the I/DD waivers.

WaiverPath is not a government agency, law firm, Medicaid provider, or benefits advisor. We help you organize information, documents, and follow-up tasks. Always verify requirements with the official agency or a qualified professional.