Housing

Assisted Living Waiver

What is the Medicaid Assisted Living Waiver?
The Medicaid Assisted Living Waiver provides for older adults and persons with disabilities an alternative to home based waiver programs and Medicaid funded nursing home care.

Where are services provided?
Services are provided in an Assisted Living facility licensed by the Ohio Department of Health as a Residential Care facility and certified by the Ohio Department of Aging as a provider for the program. Assisted Living facilities interested in becoming providers for the program may contact the Area Agency on Aging at 330-746-2938 or 1-800-686-7367 or visit the Provider section of the web site.

What does the waiver pay for?
The Assisted Living waiver pays for services provided to an individual in an Assisted Living facility. Facilities are reimbursed depending on the amount of services they provide to an individual. The individual must be able to pay a monthly room and board charge to the facility as well.

How do I know if I'm eligible for the program?
A person may be eligible for the Assisted Living Waiver program if he or she:

• Is 21 years of age or older;
• Is currently receiving Medicaid funded services in a nursing facility
  or
  Is receiving services through a Medicaid waiver program (PASSPORT, Ohio Home Care or Choices)
  or
  Has been residing in an Assisted Living facility and paying for their care privately for at least 6 months;
• Has a documented need for unscheduleable hands-on assistance;
• Meets relevant Medicaid financial requirements for income and assets (as determined by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services);
• Requires a nursing home level of care (intermediate or skilled)
• Can be safely maintained in the Assisted Living facilities (the services available will provide sufficient care to the individual);
• Can pay the established room and board rate for the facility (an individual MUST have sufficient resources to pay the current room and board charge. The room and board charge changes each calendar year);
• Agrees to participate in the program.

How do I apply for the program?
Individuals interested in applying for the Medicaid Assisted Living Waiver should contact the Area Agency on Aging at 330-746-2938 or 1-800-686-7367. An in-person assessment will be scheduled to determine if the person is eligible and appropriate for the program. Individuals are served on a first-come, first served basis.

What services are available in the Assisted Living facility?
Individuals enrolled in the program will be evaluated to determine the type and level of services that are appropriate for their situation. Services available may vary from facility to facility, but may include:

• Social and recreational programs;
• Personal care;
• Supportive services (laundry, housekeeping, maintenance);
• Coordination of three meals a day;
• Non-medical transportation;
• Nursing services;
• Intermittent skilled nursing care;
• 24- hour response capability.

How is the Assisted Living Waiver funded?
The waiver is funded by Medicaid, the state's health care system for low income individuals. It was designed to offer Medicaid eligible individuals an alternative to nursing facility or home based waiver services. The waiver was a priority in the Ohio Access Initiative and its implementation was recommended by the Ohio Commission to reform Medicaid.