Everything you need to know about getting paid to care for a loved one in Indiana
Yes, you need Medicaid to qualify because this program is only available to Medicaid recipients in Indiana. Medicare alone is not enough. If you do not have Medicaid but think you may qualify, your local Indiana Family and Social Services Administration office can help you apply. If you are unsure where to start, FreedomCare can guide you through the eligibility process.
Yes, you are eligible if you have both Medicare and Medicaid, as long as you qualify for an Indiana Medicaid Waiver such as PathWays for Aging or the Health & Wellness Waiver. These waivers determine whether you receive in-home services and whether you can choose a family caregiver. If you already have Medicaid and need help with daily tasks, we can help you understand what programs you may qualify for.
Unfortunately, no. You cannot qualify with only Medicare. You must have Medicaid to be eligible because family caregiver pay comes through Indiana Medicaid Waiver programs. If you think you may meet Medicaid requirements based on income, disability, or age, you can apply through Indiana FSSA. If you need help figuring out the next steps, FreedomCare can walk you through the process.
The qualifications to be considered a person in need of care depend on whether you need help with key Activities of Daily Living. Indiana Medicaid Waivers require that you need assistance with at least three of the following:
Bathing
Dressing
Grooming
Mobility
Eating
An assessment will determine your level of need and whether you qualify for a Waiver. If you’re unsure whether you meet the care requirements, we can help you prepare for the assessment.
There are no restrictions on the types of illnesses that qualify for this program. Eligibility depends on whether you have Medicaid and require the level of care defined by an Indiana Medicaid Waiver, not on a specific diagnosis. As long as your health condition affects your ability to perform daily activities, you may qualify. If you are unsure whether your illness meets the criteria, we can help you evaluate your situation.
Yes, a person with disability benefits or SSI can qualify as long as they have Medicaid or are eligible for Medicaid. Many people receiving SSI already meet income requirements for Indiana Medicaid. If the individual also needs help with daily activities, they may qualify for an Indiana Medicaid Waiver. If you are not sure whether you qualify, FreedomCare can help you understand the requirements.
Yes, your relative can get paid to take care of you if you already have a home attendant, but you will need to choose one provider. Indiana Medicaid requires you to select either traditional home care or FreedomCare for your approved hours. If you receive 20 hours per week, those hours may be provided by your family caregiver or your home attendant, but not both. If you need help deciding which option fits your situation best, we are here to support you.
Yes, you can join this program if you are receiving hospice care, as long as you meet the requirements for an Indiana Medicaid Waiver. Hospice services must be coordinated through your Medicaid plan, and your eligibility depends on your current care plan and Waiver status. If you do not yet have a Waiver but think you may qualify, we can help you explore your options and understand whether enrollment is possible while on hospice.
You can choose a caregiver from among your family members or close friends, including:
Caregivers must also meet Indiana’s Medicaid Waiver requirements:
If you want to confirm whether someone in your family qualifies, FreedomCare can help you review the requirements.
A caregiver and the person they care for must live in the same home in Indiana. This helps support consistent care and ensures the caregiver is available when needed. Shared housing does not prevent someone from being a caregiver as long as all Medicaid Waiver rules are met. If you need help understanding the living arrangement requirements, we can walk you through them.
In most cases, participants do not pay for this program because Indiana Medicaid covers the cost of care through its Waiver programs. In rare situations, a patient may have a Medicaid cost share based on income, which would be determined by the state, not by FreedomCare. If you are unsure whether a cost share applies to you, we can explain how it works and help you understand what to expect before services begin.
Yes, FreedomCare would replace your current care services if you choose to switch from another agency. You cannot receive services from two providers for the same waiver. If you want to switch, your Case Manager can help you transition, and FreedomCare can guide you through the steps needed to begin care with your chosen caregiver.
Step 1: Confirm Medicaid eligibility. If you do not have Medicaid, FreedomCare can explain how to apply.
Step 2: Complete the required assessments to determine your care needs.
Step 3: Receive a plan of care created by your health plan based on your assessment results.
Step 4: Have your chosen caregiver complete their enrollment.
Step 5: Wait for your health plan to authorize services.
Step 6: Participate in a FreedomCare orientation and welcome call to confirm your start date.
If you already have in-home care through another agency, you can switch to FreedomCare by contacting your Case Manager and requesting to transfer services. Once the agency updates your record and authorization is sent, FreedomCare completes your caregiver enrollment and begins care. If you need help managing the switch, we can guide you through each step.
Yes, you can change your caregiver or have multiple caregivers, but each change must be processed through FreedomCare. Every new caregiver must complete enrollment before working. If you want to adjust your caregiving team, we can help you decide what works best.
A Designated Representative works with FreedomCare by helping coordinate your care, completing required paperwork, and communicating with FreedomCare on your behalf. They may also work with your Medicaid case manager on updates to your care plan. We can help clarify their responsibilities if you need support.
Yes, someone with a part-time job can also be a caregiver as long as they can manage the required caregiving hours. Indiana Medicaid allows caregivers to work another job if the member’s needs are still met. Many caregivers balance both responsibilities by coordinating schedules with the participant. If you are not sure whether your schedule fits, we can talk through the expectations.
Yes, someone can work for FreedomCare in Indiana even if they do not have a family member who needs care. In Indiana, the person receiving care and the caregiver must live together in the same home. They do not have to be related. As long as you live with the person who needs support and you meet the onboarding, training, and background check requirements, you may qualify to become their caregiver through FreedomCare. If you are interested in this path, we can walk you through what you need and how to get started.
No, caregivers do not need to be certified before applying. You only need to meet Indiana Medicaid’s onboarding requirements, which include basic documentation and training steps. FreedomCare provides support throughout the process. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications, we can guide you.
A misdemeanor does not necessarily disqualify you as a caregiver. FreedomCare reviews each situation individually, focusing on your ability to provide safe and compassionate care. As long as you meet Medicaid requirements and can complete the onboarding process, you may still qualify. If you are concerned about your record, we can help you understand your options.
Payment is determined based on the patient’s level of care. Indiana Medicaid Waiver programs establish the rules for care, and payment rates follow those guidelines. If you want to understand exactly how your rate is calculated, FreedomCare can explain the details.
Working hours are not assigned in Indiana. There is no set schedule and no approved number of hours. The caregiver and the person receiving care simply need to live together in the same home, and support is provided as part of day to day life. Because there are no hourly approvals, families have the flexibility to structure care in the way that feels natural for their household. If you need help understanding how this works or what the expectations are, we can walk you through it so you feel confident moving forward.
There is no minimum number of hours required in Indiana. Since there are no approved hours or set schedules, caregivers simply provide support as part of daily living in the shared home. What matters is that the caregiver and the person receiving care live together and that the caregiver helps with the participant’s day to day needs. If you want help understanding what this looks like in real life, we can walk you through it so you feel comfortable with the expectations.
The payment schedule depends on the payment method you choose. You can be paid by direct deposit, mailed check, or a no-cost pay card. If you need to update your payment method or have questions about timing, we can help.
FreedomCare does not provide overtime pay in Indiana because there are no working hours or weekly schedules. Caregivers are paid a flat daily rate, seven days per week, as long as they live with the participant and provide day to day support in the shared home. Since hours are not tracked and overtime does not apply, you simply focus on helping the person you live with and support. If you want help understanding how the daily rate works or what to expect, we can walk you through it step by step.
Additional requirements include having a valid email address and a working smartphone to use the FreedomCare Plus app. If you do not have a smartphone, please contact FreedomCare for more options.
You can care for more than one patient at the same time in Indiana, as long as everyone lives together in the same home. Caregivers in this program can support up to four participants, but all of them must reside in the same household. Since there are no working hours, no schedules, and no clocking in or out, you simply provide daily support to each person you live with. If you want help understanding how this works in real life or what the expectations are, we can walk you through everything so it feels manageable.
Caregivers in Indiana’s Structured Family Caregiving program are 1099 contractors, so traditional employment benefits are not offered. Instead, caregivers receive a flat daily stipend for each approved day of care, along with the training and support needed to feel confident in the role. There are no health benefits, paid time off, overtime, or other employee-based benefits. If you want a clear breakdown of what the stipend includes or how payments work, we can walk you through it so you know exactly what to expect.
No, FreedomCare does not reimburse travel expenses in Indiana. Since the caregiver and the person receiving care are required to live together in the same home, there is no travel involved in providing care.
If there is an issue with your payment, contact the Care Support team. They will review your daily note, payment method, and account information to identify the problem and fix it as quickly as possible.
If you need a day off or are sick, another enrolled caregiver that lives with the patient can cover for you. We encourage each patient to have at least two caregivers approved. For longer absences, contact FreedomCare so we can help explore alternative care options.
You can download the FreedomCare Plus app by visiting the Google Play Store or Apple Store and searching for FreedomCare Plus. After downloading, open the app, allow permissions, and log in using the caregiver code and password you received during onboarding. If you need help with login details, contact Care Support.
You can access your pay stubs through the FreedomCare app by tapping My Payroll. The app shows your pay history, recent payments, and payroll details. If you have trouble accessing the feature, Care Support can assist you.
You should contact your Care Support team right away. They will help investigate what happened and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Caregivers in this program do not clock in and out. Daily care is documented by submitting daily notes through the FreedomCare Plus app. If your device is not working, you may use another smartphone or tablet as long as you log in with your own credentials. Retroactive daily note submissions are allowed for up to three days, and Care Support can help troubleshoot any ongoing app issues.
If there is a change in the care routine, such as hospitalization, you must notify FreedomCare right away. Caregivers should not log a daily note in until FreedomCare is aware of the change. Once the patient is discharged, we help you confirm when services can resume.
FreedomCare is available in Indiana and in several other states across the country. Families outside Indiana can use FreedomCare in:
In each of these states, eligible residents can choose a loved one or trusted friend to provide in-home care through Medicaid programs or waivers. If you live in Indiana and want to know whether you or a family member may qualify, we guide you through eligibility, assessments, and every step that follows.
This program is funded by Medicaid in Indiana, with support from both the state and federal government. Indiana’s Medicaid Waiver programs set aside funding so eligible residents can receive care safely at home rather than in a facility. If someone qualifies for a Medicaid Waiver, they may be able to choose a family member or trusted person as their caregiver. If you are unsure whether you meet the rules, we can walk you through each requirement.
The difference between Medicaid and Medicare in Indiana comes down to eligibility and coverage. Medicaid is a state and federal program that helps people with low income access medical care and long-term services, including in-home support. Medicare is a federal insurance program for people 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, regardless of income. Medicare does not pay family caregivers, while Medicaid Waivers in Indiana may allow eligible individuals to choose their caregiver.
The caregiver and the person receiving care must live together in the same home to qualify for this program. In Indiana, this option lets people who qualify for Medicaid choose a family member or friend to support them through specific Medicaid waiver programs such as PathWays for Aging, Health and Wellness Waiver, or Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver. You need to be enrolled in Medicaid and meet the medical requirements of the waiver. If you qualify, a care plan is created that outlines the type of help you need each day. The focus is on meeting your daily support needs so you can stay safely at home with someone you trust. We guide you through every step so the process feels manageable for you and your family.
Enroll now to have a family member or a trusted friend care for you in your home.
