Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver Program
Publisher: Ohio Department of Aging
Published Date: July 2006
What is the Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver Program?
- This Medicaid waiver program provides services in certified residential care facilities to delay or prevent nursing facility placement.
- Assisted living promotes aging in place by supporting consumer desire for independence, choice and privacy. The services help preserve the independence of the individual, as well as maintain ties to family and friends.
Who is eligible for the Assisted Living Waiver Program?
Eligible participants must:
- Be current nursing facility residents or existing Medicaid waiver (PASSPORT, Ohio Home Care, Choices) participants OR current residents of residential care facilities who have paid privately for at least six months;
- Be age 21 or older;
- Need hands-on assistance with dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, eating or mobility and have unpredictable needs for assistance with activities of daily living;
- Meet the financial criteria for Medicaid eligibility (see below); and
- Be able to pay room and board.
What are the financial eligibility criteria for the Assisted Living Waiver Program?
- County Departments of Job and Family Services determine financial eligibility of interested participants.
- Individuals may not have countable assets valued at more than $1,500.
- Monthly income must not exceed 300 percent of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit.
- Depending on income, participants may be required to pay a patient liability each month toward the cost of services.
Who Provides Assisted Living Services?
Providers must be:
- Licensed as a residential care facility by the Ohio Department of Health; and
- Certified by the Ohio Department of Aging as an Assisted Living Provider.
What services are provided by the Assisted Living Waiver Program?
Two types of services are provided by the program:
- Assisted Living Services include: 24 hour on-site response, personal care, supportive services (housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance), nursing, and transportation, 3 meals per day and social/recreational programming.
- Community Transition Services are available to individuals leaving a nursing facility to enroll in the Assisted Living waiver and helps them obtain essential household furnishings and other items.
How do I apply for the Assisted Living Waiver Program?
- Call toll-free 1-866-243-5678 to contact the Area Agency on Aging serving your community for details on how to apply.
- Interested individuals must complete an application, telephone screen and in-person assessment.
- Then, your county Department of Job and Family Services will determine financial eligibility.
- After meeting all eligibility criteria, you will be enrolled (pending slot availability).
Where can I learn more about the Assisted Living Waiver Program?
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Ohio Department of Aging
Ted Strickland, Governor - Barbara E. Riley, Director
50 W. Broad St./9th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
1-800-266-4346 - TTY: (614) 466-6161
The Department of Aging is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.
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