Medicaid offers services and supports for low-income older adults and people with disabilities who need help with daily tasks. There are programs to support people in all types of care situations: in-home, community-based, assisted living, and nursing homes.
Eligibility
When you apply for Medicaid, either for yourself or as an authorized representative for someone else, an eligibility specialist will determine if the applicant could be a candidate for long-term care services. A face-to-face interview is not required but can be requested.
The Eligibility Contact Center is here to help you: 1-844-640-OHIO (6446)
- apply for Long-Term Care Medicaid benefits
- renew benefits
- report a change to an on-going case
Long-Term Care Programs
Waivers for Long-Term Care in Your Home or Community
Medicaid can help you pay for long-term supportive care services in your own home or community through the Medicaid waiver program.
The program is designed to help people get the care they need without having to enter a nursing home. There are options for in-home care, community-based care, and assisted living facilities.
There are four types of waiver programs in Ohio:
- Ohio Home Care: Home care for individuals up to age 60
- Individual Options and Level One Waivers: Support services for individuals with developmental disabilities
- PASSPORT*: Home care for individuals over age 60
- Assisted Living*: For individuals over 21 years-old who need more intense care but still want to maintain some independence
*The Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging prescreens applicants for the Passport and Assisted Living waiver programs. To learn more call (216) 539-9240.
Cash Assistance for Individuals in Residential Facilities
The Residential State Supplement Program provides cash assistance to Medicaid eligible aged, blind or disabled adults who need the increased care provided in residential or adult care facilities, but do not require a nursing home. Learn how to apply for RSS.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Unique to Cuyahoga County, PACE is an all-inclusive care program for the elderly. PACE provides all needed health care, medical care, and ancillary services in acute, sub-acute, institutional, and community settings.
Services include:
- primary and specialty care
- adult day health services
- personal care services
- inpatient hospital
- prescription drug
- occupational and physical therapies
- nursing home care
Participants who are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid may receive PACE services at no cost. Those who are not eligible for Medicaid can still join the program, but they will have to pay a monthly premium. Apply for the program directly with McGregor PACE.
These programs are just some of the long-term care options available. Visit the Ohio Medicaid website for information about additional long-term care programs.
How to Apply
Follow the steps below to apply for the service:
- Apply Online.
- Call 844-640-OHIO (6446), Mon – Fri 8am to 4pm.
- Visit your local library for help applying online, by phone, or by fax.
- In-person at a Neighborhood Family Service Center.