Indiana guidance. Status unknown, call to confirm.

Leaving an Indiana hospital

Ask for your discharge plan before you leave. If you have Medicare and think you are leaving too soon, you can ask for a fast review by the day you leave.

1. Step 1: Ask for your discharge plan

   Federal rules say the hospital must have a discharge planning process built around your goals and wishes. Ask the care team what your plan is, and ask for it in writing.

   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 42 CFR 482.43, Discharge planning (10-1-24 edition) says: “The hospital must have an effective discharge planning process that focuses on the patient’s goals and treatment” (checked 2026-10-15)

2. Step 2: Ask for a list if you need more care

   If you need home health care or a nursing or rehab facility, the hospital must give you a list of places that serve your area. Ask questions before you choose.

   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 42 CFR 482.43, Discharge planning (10-1-24 edition) says: “The hospital must include in the discharge plan a list of HHAs, SNFs, IRFs, or LTCHs that are available to the patient” (checked 2026-10-15)

3. Step 3: Read your Medicare notice

   If you have Medicare, the hospital must give you a notice about your discharge rights within 2 days of admission. If you think you are leaving too soon, ask for a fast review by the day you leave, in writing or by phone. Ask the hospital who to call.

   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 42 CFR 405.1205 and 405.1206, hospital discharge appeal rights (10-1-24 edition) says: “no later than 2 calendar days following the beneficiary’s admission to the hospital” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 42 CFR 405.1205 and 405.1206, hospital discharge appeal rights (10-1-24 edition) says: “The request must be made no later than the day of discharge and may be in writing or by telephone.” (checked 2026-10-15)

4. Step 4: Set up your ride home

   With Traditional Medicaid, call Verida at 855-325-7586 at least two business days ahead. In a Medicaid health plan, call the plan ride line at least 48 hours ahead. If you leave sooner, ask the hospital how you will get home.

   • Indiana Medicaid: Indiana Medicaid for Partners: Verida says: “Members enrolled in Indiana’s Traditional Medicaid program can call Verida customer service at 855-325-7586 to arrange NEMT to covered medical services.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana Medicaid: Indiana Medicaid for Partners: Verida says: “Members should call at least two business days in advance” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IN.gov FAQs: How does a Medicaid member arrange for transportation? says: “must call their health plan’s transportation broker (similar to a dispatching service) at least 48 hours in advance” (checked 2026-10-15)

5. Step 5: Get help at home

   Area Agencies on Aging give case management and referrals for people who are aging or have a developmental disability. Call 800-713-9023 to reach the one nearest you.

   • Indiana FSSA: Area Agencies on Aging says: “Indiana's Area Agencies on Aging provide case management, information and referrals to various services for persons who are aging or developmentally disabled.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana FSSA: Area Agencies on Aging says: “contact the AAA nearest you (see directions to nearest office or AAA map) or call toll-free 800-713-9023.” (checked 2026-10-15)

6. Step 6: Apply for Medicaid if you have no coverage

   You can apply for Indiana Medicaid in person, online, by mail or by phone. To apply by phone, call DFR at 1-800-403-0864.

   • Indiana Medicaid: Apply for Coverage says: “You can apply in person, online, by mail, or by phone.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana Medicaid: Apply for Coverage says: “To apply by phone, call DFR at 1-800-403-0864.” (checked 2026-10-15)

Status unknown, call to confirm. Rides, home help and coverage depend on your plan and your area. Call before you rely on them.

• Indiana Medicaid: Indiana Medicaid for Partners: Verida says: “Members enrolled in Indiana’s Traditional Medicaid program can call Verida customer service at 855-325-7586 to arrange NEMT to covered medical services.” (checked 2026-10-15)
• Indiana FSSA: Area Agencies on Aging says: “contact the AAA nearest you (see directions to nearest office or AAA map) or call toll-free 800-713-9023.” (checked 2026-10-15)

Not legal advice. The agency or program decides what applies to your situation.