As an Area Agency on Aging, NWICA provides comprehensive assessments to identify the needs of individuals who are entering or who have the desire to enter a nursing facility. The goal of the program is to ensure that before an individual is placed in a nursing facility, all alternatives have been explored.

Residents outside of the state of Indiana can also apply for the program.

Indiana Pre Admission Screening (IPAS) is a process which consists of an application, a comprehensive assessment, a plan of care and a decision regarding the most appropriate placement of an individual.

The application will trigger an assessment with a case manager who is a member of the IPAS team. The doctor is also a member of the team.

The case manager will meet with the individual as well as the family to discuss medical problems, how much help is required with activities of daily living and how much assistance, if any, is provided in the home.

Based on the assessment and information about alternative services in the community, the IPAS team recommends either nursing facility care or continued living at home.

If you are in the community, the decision can take up to 25 days or sooner from the date your completed application is received by our office. You will be contacted by our office with the final decision.

In certain instances you can refuse to participate in the program. However, Medicaid will not pay for your stay in any Indiana nursing facility for one (1) year from the date that you sign the application to refuse participation in the program.

Application is usually made through the nursing facility which you are seeking admission, at a hospital which you are a patient or at the Area Agency on Aging. The nursing facility must ensure the application process is completed in a timely manner. IPAS has to ensure that the individual is not in need of other services prior to entering the nursing facility. A final decision is made once the application process is complete. You have the right to appeal an unsatisfactory decision or a denial to a nursing facility. Just contact our office for more information.

For more information, please contact Northwest Indiana Community Action Corporation (NWICA).