Options Counseling and Medicaid Services

What is Options Counseling?

Options counseling is a person-centered service for seniors, individuals with disabilities, or their caregivers. When you call our Aging and Disability Resource Center or make a referral online, our friendly and knowledgeable staff will listen to your concerns.

We may inquire about health, physical limitations, living arrangements, and transportation needs, or explore the possibility of a meal service or medical alert device. We may also discuss your financial situation to determine eligibility for publicly-funded programs. Then, we can provide personalized recommendations to help you achieve your goals. This conversation is free for everyone, regardless of income or financial assets.

If you are eligible for subsidized services, your information is transferred to an options counselor, who will schedule an in-home visit within 10 business days. At your home, the initial assessment takes about two hours. During this time, we’ll talk with you and other family members about your long-term care needs and identify providers. The options counselor then completes all necessary paperwork and submits it to Indiana’s Division of Aging for approval, which typically takes 20 days.

If you already have a Medicaid number, services can begin almost immediately following approval. If you don’t have Medicaid, CICOA’s Medicaid Transitions team will guide you through the application process. After submission, confirmation can take an additional 90 days.

Through it all, CICOA’s dedicated staff will provide the support and practical assistance you need to help you achieve the greatest possible independence, dignity, and quality of life.