How to apply for Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver

Who it's for

The Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver pays for care in an assisted living facility that is licensed as a residential care facility by the Ohio Department of Health and certified by the Ohio Department of Aging. It is an alternative to nursing facility care that is less expensive and less restrictive. Covered services include 24-hour on-site response, personal care, housekeeping, laundry and maintenance, nursing, transportation, three meals a day, and social and recreational programming. Community Transition Services help people leaving a nursing facility get essential household furnishings. To qualify you must be 21 or older, need hands-on help with activities of daily living such as bathing or moving around, meet Medicaid financial rules, and be able to pay the state-set monthly room and board charge. Countable assets must be $2,000 or less, and monthly income must not be more than 300 percent of the Supplemental Security Income benefit. Depending on income, you may have to pay something each month toward the cost of services. Call 1-866-243-5678 to reach the Area Agency on Aging for your area.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 21 or older
• Proof of Ohio residency
• Proof of all income and countable assets
• In-person level-of-care assessment showing a hands-on need for help with activities of daily living
• Medicare card if enrolled

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age 21 or older, proof of ohio residency, proof of all income and countable assets — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Renewals

annual