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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2006

Ohio Department of Aging Awards Contract for Evaluation of Ohio's PASSPORT Program

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Aging has chosen Scripps Gerontology Center of Miami University to conduct an independent evaluation of PASSPORT, Ohio's Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid waiver program for Ohioans age 60 and over.

"We have a wonderful program with many satisfied clients," said Merle Grace Kearns, director of Ohio Department of Aging. "We believe the evaluation will demonstrate this and offer opportunities to enhance the program."

PASSPORT provides in-home alternatives to nursing home care for low-income seniors at significant savings to Ohio taxpayers. The average per-person cost of PASSPORT, which has the same eligibility criteria as nursing home placement, is $1,100 a month - one-fourth that of a nursing home. Seniors considering nursing-home placement are screened by a PASSPORT professional.

The Scripps evaluation will assess the extent to which PASSPORT is an efficient and cost-effective alternative to nursing home care. It will allow the department to improve the quality of service for its clients.

Scripps will develop a series of reports that will focus on consumer eligibility, cost neutrality, assuring the health and welfare of PASSPORT consumers, assessment and service plan development process and fiscal accountability. The topics were determined by an advisory council and will evaluate whether the PASSPORT program is meeting the assurances the state has made to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The final report is expected before June 1, 2007.

The Ohio Department of Aging serves and represents two million Ohioans age 60 and older. The Department advocates for the needs of all older citizens, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for older Ohioans, helping them live active, healthy and independent lives, and promoting positive attitudes toward aging and older people.