Indiana — FSW / CIH (BDDS waivers)
CAPACITY FREEZE — no new slots as of December 2025; apply to establish waitlist date
BDS.Help@fssa.in.gov · bddsgateway.fssa.in.gov
HCBS Waivers
Medicaid waiver waiting list: what to know and do while you wait
HCBS Medicaid waiver waiting lists can span years — Indiana and Kentucky programs each have tens of thousands of families waiting. Here is how waitlists work, how to protect your position, and what to do in the meantime. Always confirm current wait times and requirements with your state Medicaid agency.
Why HCBS waiver waitlists exist
HCBS waivers (1915(c) waivers) are federally approved programs that let states fund home- and community-based services instead of institutional care. Unlike Medicaid state plan services, waivers have enrollment caps — states set a maximum number of participants, and Congress must approve expansions. When demand exceeds the cap, eligible individuals go on a waiting list.
Not every Medicaid program works this way. The Katie Beckett / TEFRA option, for example, is an entitlement: eligible children cannot be placed on a waitlist. If you are unsure whether your program has a waitlist, ask your state agency directly.
State waitlist snapshot
Confirm current status directly with your state agency — these figures change.
Indiana waiver checklist
Florida — iBudget / APD DD Waiver
7–10 year estimated wait for many families; apply immediately
APD regional offices · apdcares.org
Georgia — NOW / COMP
7,000+ on waitlist; Katie Beckett has NO waitlist (entitlement)
DBHDD waiver office · dbhdd.georgia.gov
Kentucky — Michelle P. Waiver (MPW)
13,000+ on waitlist; continue annual renewals to stay active
DBHDID · 502-564-7700
New Mexico — DD Waiver / Mi Via
Contact DDSD for current waitlist status
Pre-Service Intake Bureau · 505-350-0034
How to stay active on a Medicaid waiver waiting list
Losing your waitlist position after years of waiting is preventable. These seven steps protect your application.
Step 1
Apply as early as possible
Waitlist position is almost always set by application date. Apply the moment you believe your family member may qualify — even if you are not certain yet. Applying does not commit you to accepting a slot later, but it establishes your date in the queue.
Step 2
Get written confirmation of your application and waitlist position
After submitting your application, request written confirmation of receipt and, where available, your queue number or estimated wait time. Save the confirmation number. This documentation is critical if there is ever a dispute about your waitlist date.
Step 3
Keep your contact information current
Update your address, phone number, and email with the state agency any time they change. Do not assume a forwarding address or voicemail will catch a waiver offer — many states send certified mail or make a limited number of phone attempts before moving to the next person on the list.
Step 4
Respond to every annual renewal and status check
Most states require applicants to confirm they are still interested and still eligible at regular intervals (often annually). Missing a renewal can permanently remove you from the waitlist. Set a calendar reminder for the same time each year to proactively contact the agency if you have not heard from them.
Step 5
Document every interaction with the state agency
Log every call, letter, email, and portal interaction with: date, agency representative's name, what you were told, what was requested of you, and your next action. This log is invaluable if questions arise about your waitlist status or if you need to appeal a decision.
Step 6
Seek interim services while you wait
Medicaid state plan services (not requiring a waiver slot), school-based services for school-age children, local nonprofit supports, and respite programs may be available while you wait. Ask your case manager or a family navigator what services your family member qualifies for now.
Step 7
Know the offer response window before it arrives
When a slot opens, the state will contact you with a time-limited offer. Find out in advance how long you will have to respond and what accepting requires. Being prepared means you won't miss the window because of confusion or delayed paperwork.
Organize your waitlist documentation
WaiverPath's free waitlist tracker keeps your call log, correspondence, contact information updates, and renewal reminders in one place — so nothing gets lost across years of waiting.
Medicaid waiver waiting list FAQ
How long is the Medicaid waiver waiting list?
Wait times vary enormously by state and program. Indiana's Family Supports Waiver (FSW) and CIH waiver reached maximum capacity in December 2025 with no new slots expected until at least mid-2026. Florida's APD/iBudget waitlist can stretch 7–10 years for some families. Kentucky's Michelle P. Waiver has 13,000+ people waiting. Some waivers, like the Georgia Katie Beckett program, have no waitlist at all. Contact your state Medicaid agency for current wait-time estimates for the specific program you applied to.
Can I lose my place on a Medicaid waiver waiting list?
Yes. Most states remove applicants who cannot be contacted, who miss a required annual renewal or status check, who move out of state, or whose circumstances change in a way that makes them ineligible. Check your state's specific rules and respond promptly to any correspondence from the state agency.
Do I have to reapply if I move within the state?
In most states, you do not lose your waitlist position if you move within the state — but you must update your address with the administering agency immediately. Failure to update contact information is one of the most common reasons families lose their waitlist position without realizing it.
Can I be on multiple state waiver waitlists at once?
Policies vary by state and program. Some states allow a person to be listed on more than one program's waitlist simultaneously (for example, both FSW and CIH in Indiana). Cross-state waitlisting is generally not possible; you typically must reside in a state to be on its Medicaid program waitlist.
What happens when a waiver slot becomes available?
The state agency contacts the next eligible person on the waitlist — usually by phone, letter, or portal notification. You will typically have a limited window to respond and accept the offer. If you cannot be reached or do not respond in time, the offer may go to the next person. This is why maintaining current contact information is critical.
What services can I get while waiting for a waiver slot?
While waiting for an HCBS waiver slot, many families access state plan Medicaid services that do not require a waiver (such as certain therapy or medical services), school-based services (for school-age children), community supports, nonprofit resources, and family caregiver support programs. A case manager or state resource specialist can help identify what is available in your state while you wait. Confirm with your state Medicaid agency what services your child or family member qualifies for now.
How do I check my position on a Medicaid waiver waiting list?
Methods vary by state. Indiana has an online BDS waitlist portal. Florida families can contact their APD regional office. Georgia's DBHDD manages the NOW/COMP waitlist. Contact your state's administering agency directly or check their website for a waitlist status tool. When you call, log the date, the representative's name, and what you were told.
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.