State programs
Ohio Assisted Living Waiver
The Ohio Assisted Living Waiver is a Medicaid program that pays for care services for people who live in a certified assisted living residence. The Ohio Department of Aging runs it with the Ohio Department of Medicaid. Applicants must be 21 or older, qualify for Medicaid, and meet a nursing facility level of care.
Why it matters for your family
This waiver helps people who need more support than a private home can give. It pays for services in the assisted living setting, and it does not cover care in a person's own house. The residence must be a licensed residential care facility certified by the Ohio Department of Aging. Enrollment is capped, and Medicaid eligibility comes first. A common mistake is to assume the waiver pays every assisted living cost. Ask the facility and the county office what the resident still owes. For help at home, ask about the PASSPORT waiver.
Source: dam.assets.ohio.gov
Related terms
- PASSPORT Medicaid waiver (Ohio)PASSPORT is an Ohio Medicaid waiver that helps older adults get care at home instead of in a nursing home.
- Assisted livingAssisted living is a residential setting for people who need help with daily tasks but not the full medical care of a nursing home.
- Level of care assessmentA level of care assessment is an evaluation that decides whether a person needs the level of care that a nursing facility provides.
- Medicaid eligibilityMedicaid eligibility for long-term care depends on need, income, and assets.
- Home and community-based services (HCBS) waiverA home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver is a Medicaid program that pays for care at home or in the community instead of in a nursing home.
- MyCare OhioMyCare Ohio is Ohio's managed care program for adults age 21 or older who have both Medicare and Medicaid.
