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Choices is a consumer-directed Medicaid waiver program. Choices consumers assume greater control over delivery of services, as well as the service providers. The consumer becomes the employer and hires service providers in his or her home. Providers can be professional caregivers, friends, neighbors or some relatives (spouses, parents, step-parents and legal guardians are ineligible). Choices is available to current PASSPORT consumers in the central Ohio, northwestern Ohio and southern Ohio regions served by the Area Agencies on Aging based in Columbus, Toledo, Marietta and Rio Grande.

Choices consumers receive the same types of services that are available through traditional PASSPORT, such as home care attendant service, meals, adult day care and more. Choices care plans must meet the same financial cap as traditional PASSPORT care plans - that is, costs may not exceed 60 percent of the cost of nursing home care. Participants may return to traditional PASSPORT at any time.

Choices has similar eligibility criteria to PASSPORT. Eligible consumers are:

• Age 60 or better;
• Financially eligible for Medicaid institutional care (For 2008, this means typically earning no more than $1,911 per month for one person and having no more than $1,500 in countable assets, though individuals above this limit may be eligible based on the extent of their medical and in-home needs);
• Frail enough to require a nursing home level of care;
• Able to remain safely at home with the consent of their physician; and
• Willing to and capable of directing provider activities (may have an authorized representative).

The consumer is the "employer of record" under the Internal Revenue Code and responsible for all necessary tax forms and payroll duties. All taxes must be paid, including worker's compensation. Participants use a fiscal intermediary to assist with the financial aspects of the program. Choices consumers receive significant and extensive training and have specialized case managers to assist in navigating the intricacies of acting as the employer. A Review Team must evaluate and approve the older adult for enrollment.

Contact the appropriate Area Agency on Aging to learn more about the availability of Choices where you live:

Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
Serving Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway & Union counties
174 East Long Street
Columbus, OH 43215
1-800-589-7277
www.coaaa.org

Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc.
Serving Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto & Vinton counties
University of Rio Grande/F32
P.O. Box 500
Rio Grande, OH 45674-3131
1-800-582-7277
www.aaa7.org

Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging PSA 8
Serving Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry & Washington counties
P.O. Box 370
Marietta, OH 45773
1-800-833-0830
www.areaagency8.org

The Area Office on Aging Northwestern Ohio, Inc.
Serving Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Williams, Wood & Sandusky counties
2155 Arlington Avenue
Toledo, Ohio 43609
1-800-472-7277
www.areaofficeonaging.com