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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2007

State Releases Evaluation of Medicaid Assisted Living Program
Program's First Year Performance Provides Valuable Lessons for the Future

COLUMBUS - The Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University this week published the final report of its evaluation of Ohio's Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver Program. The waiver is administered by the Ohio Department of Aging and operated through the regional network of PASSPORT Administrative Agencies. Researchers at Scripps evaluated the program's performance for the initial implementation period, July 2006 through March 2007.

"The Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver Program is the latest addition to Ohio's array of long-term care options for our citizens," said Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Department. "It was important to all stakeholders that we not only make this option a reality, but that we also ensure that the program provides real, quality choice to those who access it. This evaluation is a crucial first step toward that goal."

Among the Key Evaluation Findings:

• Enrollment in the program was slower than originally anticipated, although Ohio's implementation experience is similar to that of other states.
• Participants in the Assisted Living Waiver Program report high levels of disability. Half have four or more impairments in their ability to perform activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing; three quarters have three or more activity limitations.
• Assisted living waiver participants report high levels of satisfaction with the enrollment process, with 85 to 90 percent rating the help from assisted living facilities and case managers as good or excellent.
• The average monthly reimbursement rate across all regions of the state, combining room and board and service was $2,711. The statewide average monthly rate by region for Medicaid nursing home care was $5,059.

"This study provides an important first look at the program. However, because of the slower than expected build-up and the short time frame of the evaluation, results should be viewed as preliminary in nature," researchers summarized in their report. "As the program expands both the number of consumers and the type and number of facilities that participate in the waiver, ongoing monitoring of data on the profile of residents, quality, and costs will be essential."

"Perhaps the most valuable information this evaluation provides us is concrete, supported ideas that will help us assess what we can do differently to increase participation and provide this quality option to as many Ohioans as possible," added Riley.

The Ohio General Assembly authorized the Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver Program in the 2006/2007 biennium budget. The program was approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and began operations in July 2006. As of June 1, 2007, 193 individuals had entered the program and 190 were on a waiting list, most of whom are waiting for a suitable facility. Statewide, 54 assisted living residences participate in the program.

Read the full evaluation report online...

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.