How to apply for Ohio HOME Choice — help moving out of a nursing facility

Who it's for

Helps Ohioans on Medicaid who have lived in a nursing facility, hospital, or ICF for at least 60 days in a row move back into a home, apartment, or assisted living of their choice. A transition coordinator works with the facility's discharge team, finds and secures housing, and lines up community services. Community Transition Services funds can pay one-time start-up costs such as a security deposit, first rent, essential household items, and utility deposits. Apply online at homechoice.medicaid.ohio.gov or call (888) 221-1560.

What you'll need

• Proof of Ohio Medicaid enrollment
• Proof of at least 60 consecutive days in a nursing facility, hospital, or ICF
• A HOME Choice assessment showing your needs can be met in the community and you have income for ongoing living costs

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Ohio HOME Choice — help moving out of a nursing facility. 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 Ohio Medicaid enrollment, proof of at least 60 consecutive days in a nursing facility, hospital, or ICF, a HOME Choice assessment showing your needs can be met in the community and you have income for ongoing living costs — 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.

Step by step

1. Confirm you meet the basic requirements: you must be enrolled in Ohio Medicaid, have lived in a nursing facility, hospital, or ICF for at least 60 days in a row, have income to cover ongoing living costs, and be able to pass a HOME Choice assessment. Call (888) 221-1560 if you are unsure.
2. Gather your required documents: proof of Ohio Medicaid enrollment, proof of at least 60 consecutive days in a qualifying facility, and documentation supporting your HOME Choice assessment showing your needs can be met in the community and that you have income for ongoing living costs.
3. Apply online at the Ohio HOME Choice website or call (888) 221-1560 to apply by phone. Either way, a transition coordinator will be assigned to work with you.
4. Work with your transition coordinator and the facility's discharge team to plan your move. The coordinator will help find and secure a home, apartment, or assisted living of your choice and line up community services.
5. Ask your transition coordinator about Community Transition Services funds, which can help pay one-time start-up costs such as a security deposit, first month's rent, essential household items, and utility deposits.
6. Complete your HOME Choice assessment. This step confirms that your care needs can be met in the community and that you have the income needed for ongoing living costs.

What to expect: After you apply, a HOME Choice transition coordinator will connect with you and the facility's discharge team to guide the move step by step. Processing times vary, so ask your coordinator for a timeline estimate. Keep in mind that HOME Choice is a one-time benefit — anyone who transitioned through the program since July 2019 is not eligible to reapply. Once you are settled in the community, your coordinator will confirm that the services lined up are in place to support you in your new home.

Renewals

one-time transition (a person who transitioned through HOME Choice since July 2019 cannot reapply)