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Over twenty years ago, Ohio implemented a “Home- and Community-Based Services waiver program for older people.” The program is called PASSPORT and it provides “in-home services to Medicaid consumers who would otherwise qualify for placement in a nursing home.” These services help keep senior citizens independent. According to a 2006 report from the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University :
- The PASSPORT program provides a variety of services to nearly 35,000 Ohioans over the age of 60.
- The PASSPORT program provides services to an average of 26,000 clients daily.
- PASSPORT program services average $23,702 per client per year. Annual Medicaid expenditures for nursing home residents generally exceed $55,000 per year.
 The PASSPORT program provides a variety of services for participants. These services include “personal care, home delivered meals, adult day care, homemaker, emergency response, medical equipment and supplies, chores, social work counseling, nutritional counseling, independent living assistance and medical transportation.”
Participants also receive a Medicaid card that entitles them to Medicaid benefits, including: physician care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. Case managers assist participants in developing a personalized care plan and monitor and adjust the plan as needed.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the PASSPORT program, participants must:
- Be age 60 or older.
- Need hands-on assistance with dressing, bathing, grooming, eating or mobility.
- Receive services for which the cost does not exceed 60% of the cost of nursing home care.
- Meet financial criteria for Medicaid eligibility.
- Have their physicians agree to a service plan.
Financial Criteria
In order to qualify for PASSPORT, individuals must meet the following criteria, as determined by the County Department of Job and Family Services.
- Individuals may not have countable assets valued at more than $1,500.
- Monthly income must not exceed 300% of the Social Security Insurance benefit.
- Depending on income, participants may be required to pay some amount each month toward to the cost of services.
Assisted Living Waiver Program
On July 1, 2006, the State of Ohio began offering another long-term care program for people covered by Medicaid. According to the Ohio Department of Aging, “The Assisted Living Waiver Program” pays the costs of care in an assisted living facility. The participant pays for “room and board” expenses.
This program is available to individuals “currently residing in a nursing facility or enrolled in another home and community-based waiver program such as PASSPORT.” The eligibility requirements are:
- Participants must be financially eligible for Medicaid.
- An Area Agency on Aging has determined “nursing facility level of care” is needed.
- Participants must meet the requirements for the PASSPORT Program.
To apply for PASSPORT or the Assisted Living Waiver program, call toll-free at 1-866-243-5678.
For more information on these programs and other services offered, visit the Ohio Department of Aging website at: www.goldenbuckeye.com .
For more information, please visit www.ohiotreasurer.gov or call us at 1-800-228-1102. |
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