Assisted Living Waiver Program
The Assisted Living Waiver Program is available to adults aged 21 or older who need one-on-one assistance with activities of daily living, such as grooming, bathing, dressing or eating. Transitional services can help with assisted living admissions, furnishings and move-in expenses.
Applicants must be financially eligible for Medicaid long-term care, and they must be able to pay a pre-negotiated rate for room and board. Required payments are based on the federal SSI benefit rate minus a $50 personal needs allowance. The residential care facility must participate in this state-sponsored program, and a waiting list may apply.
To see if you qualify, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or PASSPORT Administrative Agency. Staff members will screen you for Medicaid eligibility and arrange a personal needs assessment to determine which services you need. Call the Department of Aging at (800) 266-4346 or the AAA hotline at (866) 243-5678. The state’s long-term care ombudsman can help you locate a facility that participates in the program.
Ohio Residential State Supplement
Ohio’s Residential State Supplement provides a monthly income supplement to adults who need help paying for room and board at assisted living facilities, including adult care homes and class II residential facilities. The state sets a monthly allowable fee, which is the maximum amount that facilities can charge. Participants should have at least $200 left as a personal needs allowance once assisted living fees are paid using government benefits and the Residential State Supplement. To qualify for this program, applicants must:
- Be aged 18 or older
- Live in a nursing home or require institutional care
- Be eligible for regular Medicaid
- Receive Social Security, SSI or SSDI
- Have an approximate monthly income of up to $1,300
This program is managed by the Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services in partnership with the County Department of Job & Family Services offices. Application forms are available online. Once you complete your application, you can email it to RSS@mha.ohio.gov or fax it to (614) 485-9747. Case managers, guardians and hospital or nursing home discharge planners can complete an application on your behalf. For questions, call OhioMHAS at (614) 752-9316.