PASSPORT Medicaid Waiver Available For Ohioans Age 60+
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(Ohio) – Most older Ohioans prefer to live independently in their own homes, in their communities, surrounded by family and friends, for as long as they can. But, many need some help doing so. Ohio’s PASSPORT Medicaid waiver program helps Medicaid-eligible older Ohioans get the long-term services and supports they need to stay in their homes or other community settings, rather than enter nursing homes.
The PASSPORT Medicaid Waiver Program is designed to help those age 60 and over.
PASSPORT has two main parts. The first part is a pre-admission screening over the phone. Staff will determine if you or your loved one may qualify for Medicaid. They will also assess how much care you or your loved one are likely to need. Staff will also provide information about available long-term care options.
The second part of PASSPORT is home care. Once you or your loved one is found to be eligible for PASSPORT, a case manager will work with you to develop a package of in-home services from local service providers. The case manager will check in with you regularly to make sure the care you get meets quality standards.
Services available through PASSPORT include:
- Personal care, homemaker, and chore services
- Nutritional counseling and home delivered meals
- Adult day care and independent living assistance
- Minor home modification
- Emergency response
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Social work counseling
- Medical transportation
- Waiver nursing
- Out of home respite
- Structured Family Caregiving
Structured Family Caregiving is a new waiver service added to ODA’s PASSPORT program as of October 2024. The new service allows agency providers to employ or contract a caregiver who resides with the individual to provide daily care and support to the individual based on the individual’s daily care needs.
PASSPORT Participants also receive a Medicaid card to access benefits including: physician care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and more. Case managers will review your care plan and adjust it, if necessary, as your needs change.
Eligibility guidelines for PASSPORT are higher than traditional Medicaid programs. Contact the Area Agency on Aging District 7 to learn more by calling 1-800-582-7277 or e‐mail info@aaa7.org.
