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Home modifications can be surprisingly affordable when you tap the right program. Indiana residents have several options across state Medicaid, veteran benefits, and federal rural programs. Because Original Medicare does not pay for structural home changes, the programs below are usually the best places to look.
Indiana Medicaid: PathWays for Aging
PathWays for Aging is Indiana’s managed-care Medicaid program for residents age 60 and older, launched in 2024. It can cover home modifications and accessibility equipment that help someone remain safely at home instead of entering a facility. Managed-care entities (Anthem, Humana, UnitedHealthcare) administer benefits.
A level-of-care assessment is the starting point; Indiana contracts these through Maximus at 1-833-597-2777. Financial eligibility limits apply and are updated each year.
Indiana CHOICE program (state-funded)
The CHOICE program funds services and modifications — including ramps, grab bars, handrails, and bathroom changes — for Indiana residents age 60 and older, or any age with a disability. It uses a sliding-scale cost share rather than a hard income cap, though waiting lists are common. Apply through your local Area Agency on Aging via the statewide line, 1-800-986-3505.
Veterans: VA housing grants
Veterans and service members with qualifying disabilities may receive grants to adapt a home for accessibility. The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant assist those with specific service-connected disabilities, while the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant helps pay for medically necessary modifications and does not require a service-connected disability.
- SAH grant: up to about $126,500 (annual maximum, adjusts each fiscal year).
- SHA grant: up to about $25,000 (annual maximum).
- HISA grant: up to $6,800 for service-connected conditions, or $2,000 otherwise.
Rural homeowners: USDA Section 504
The USDA Section 504 Home Repair program helps very-low-income homeowners in eligible rural areas. Homeowners age 62 and older who cannot repay a loan may qualify for grants up to $10,000 to remove health and safety hazards; loans up to $40,000 at 1% interest are also available, and a grant and loan can be combined up to $50,000. Apply through your local USDA Rural Development office.
Other avenues to explore
- Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer limited supplemental benefits for safety items.
- Local Area Agencies on Aging may know of community grants, nonprofit programs, or volunteer build programs.
- Ask contractors about financing plans for larger projects.