In-House Care

PASSPORT

What is PASSPORT?
PASSPORT is an acronym that stands for Pre-Admission Screening Service Providing Options and Resources Today. It is an umbrella program that includes a number of long term care services.

Long term care today means more than just nursing home care. For those who don't need the intensive care nursing homes provide, in-home or community based services can provide a way to live independently while linked to caring professionals.

Nine out of ten Ohioans want to continue living at home, even when they need long term care services. Many options for long term care are available in the community to seniors and their caregivers, but trying to figure out those options can be confusing. PASSPORT can help.

PASSPORT is the entryway to long term care services in the state of Ohio.

PASSPORT connects older adults and their families with information about the many long term care options available.

PASSPORT assists older adults and their families with long-term choices and enables older adults to remain at home and in the community.

PASSPORT can provide a free, in-home evaluation of your long term care needs and can help figure out how to meet those needs.

What services does PASSPORT provide?

Information about the array of programs and services in the community that allow older adults to remain independent;

In-person assessment of need (regardless of income);

PASSPORT Home Care (if eligible);

Referral to community services (if not eligible for or enrolled in PASSPORT Home Care);

On-going case management (if enrolled in PASSPORT Home Care).

What are the eligibility criteria for PASSPORT Home Care?
A person may be eligible for Home Care services if he or she:

• Is 60 years of age or older and at risk of nursing home placement;
• Needs a certain amount of help with daily activities;
• Meets financial requirements for income and assets (Home Care is a Medicaid waiver program, so individuals eligible for Home Care must meet the financial guidelines established by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services);
• Can be adequately and safely maintained with the home care services;
• Agrees to the care plan developed by the case manager in collaboration with the individual and any caregivers (the doctor must also sign off on the plan of services);
• Is not enrolled in a comprehensive Medicaid/ Medicare Hospice program at the time of enrollment into PASSPORT.

What services are available in the Home Care program?
In-home services provided will vary depending on the need of the individual. The case manager works with the individual, any caregivers and other support services in place to create a plan that provides the most comprehensive care possible for the funding available. Services available through the Home Care program include:

• Adaptive and assistive equipment;
• Adult day care;
• Chore service;
• Counseling;
• Home delivered meals;
• Homemaker;
• Independent living assistance;
• Medical supplies;
• Minor home modifications;
• Non-institutional respite;
• Nutrition consultation;
• Occupational therapy;
• Personal care;
• Transportation.

How is PASSPORT funded?
PASSPORT is a Medicaid waiver program, funded by federal and state tax dollars. PASSPORT was designed to slow the growth of nursing home spending in the Medicaid budget by increasing the availability of lower cost community based care. The cost of services provided in the PASSPORT Home Care program must remain below 50% of the cost of Medicaid funded nursing home care.

PASSPORT is administered in the state of Ohio by the Department of Aging. In-home services are provided under a Medicaid waiver from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

How Do I Apply for PASSPORT?
Call the Area Agency on Aging at 330-746-2938 or 1-800-686-7367.

You'll be connected to the screening department. A screener will take some basic information about the situation and determine what options might be available.

Those interested and potentially eligible for PASSPORT Home Care will be scheduled for an in-person assessment.

Individuals who are not Medicaid eligible may also have an in-person assessment to discuss available options.

During the in-home visit, a consultant will discuss long term care options, complete a PASSPORT Home Care application (if appropriate) and/or discuss the Medicaid approval process.