The Ohio Medicaid Assisted Living Waiver Program became effective July 1, 2006, and provides another long term care alternative for up to 1,800 low-income older adults and people with disabilities.  The purpose of the Assisted Living Waiver Program is to provide another option of care for people who meet the “nursing facility level of care” criteria, but whose needs can be met in a less restrictive setting.  Statewide, there are approximately 284 consumers enrolled, with 69 providers participating in the program.  In the Columbus area, there are approximately 18 people enrolled, with 5 Franklin County providers participating in the program.

The Assisted Living Waiver Program pays for two services: assisted living services and community transition services.  The Community Transition service is a one-time payment of up to $1,500 for costs for people who are transitioning out of a nursing facility and into a residence.  The Assisted Living Waiver Program pays for the care costs in an Assisted Living facility, covering up to $69.98 per day.  However, the person enrolled in the Waiver Program is responsible for the expenses associated with room and board, which includes things like monthly rent, maintenance, and meal costs.  In 2007, the room and board rate is $573.00.  Participants enrolled in the Waiver Program will have prescription drug co-pays and will retain a $50 personal needs allowance. 

The Assisted Living Waiver Program is available to the following groups of people: 

•  Nursing facility residents
•  Current Medicaid waiver consumers (PASSPORT, Ohio Home Care, or Choices)
•  Current residents in an Ohio residential care facility who have been in the facility for at least six months 

In addition to meeting one of the above criteria, a participant in the Medicaid Assisted Living Waiver Program must be at least 21 years of age and have a documented need for a “nursing facility level of care”.

Interested persons should contact the local Area Agency on Aging to initiate a request for program information.  The local AAA is the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging and consumers interested in participating in the waiver may call (614) 645-7250 or 1-800-589-7277.

Megan M. Engle
Law Clerk