Seniors: Medicaid Changes are Coming!
Here's what you need to know about the switch from Managed Care to Indiana PathWays for Aging
Dear Neighbor,
By 2030, one in five Hoosiers will be a senior citizen. As Indiana’s population ages, our senior care management framework must be a priority. Our 16 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are critical to this framework since they provide case management and referrals for services. AAAs serve small districts and do not operate with profit margins or shareholders in mind. They provide essential care to our senior citizens — including community programs like Meals on Wheels. Upcoming changes to Medicaid programs, like Managed Care, will put our AAAs at risk.
On July 1st, the Family and Social Service Administration (FSSA) is switching to a different program for seniors who receive Medicare and Medicaid benefits. The Managed Care program will change to the new Indiana PathWays for Aging. Pathways allows older Hoosiers to pick a health plan to get the services they need to live independently as they age. Seniors should have received a letter detailing the changes through the mail in February. A copy of the letter is available below:
Under PathWays, case management for seniors will shift from AAAs to big insurance companies — also known as Managed Care Entities (MCEs) — who will charge the state a flat rate for each senior. Our AAAs would be paid less to do more work putting their well-being at risk. Defunding the AAAs would result in fewer services available, a significant strain on the healthcare and nursing system and the end of several senior community organizations. The AAAs and MCEs are attempting to reach a reasonable, fiscal agreement before the switch. It’s unclear whether the PathWays to Aging program will be ready for implementation by the July start date. The movement away from our AAAs will delocalize care creating a uniform system that puts our seniors with complex needs at risk.
Enrollment for the program has already started, so I encourage Hoosier seniors to call 87-PATHWAY-4 (877-284-9294) to enroll today. I will keep my district as up-to-date as possible as the FSSA implements several changes to its waivers and programs. As always, please reach out to my office at (317)232-9827or h98@iga.in.gov with any questions or concerns.
FSSA Video On Indiana PathWays for Aging:
In service,
Robin Shackleford, District 98 State Representative
