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Who Qualifies for Assisted Living Financial Assistance in Ohio?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Low-income seniors who have been assessed as requiring help with the activities of daily living may qualify for assistance in Ohio through Medicaid to cover part of the cost of assisted living fees. Veterans and their immediate relatives may also qualify for some support with assisted living fees and have the option of using other income such as the Aid and Attendance benefit to cover some of their care costs.
Assisted living facilities provide personal care support and help with housekeeping, cooking and laundry. They are aimed at seniors who are generally mobile and in good health. Seniors who require round-the-clock care or skilled nursing support may find a nursing home more suited to their needs.
Seniors May Have to Cover Their Own Room and Board Costs
Most Medicaid waivers cover only the cost of help with the activities of daily living and any basic medical care that may be required. Seniors are expected to cover the cost of room and board in the facility themselves, just as they would cover the cost of housing and groceries if they were living in their own homes. However, the rate they pay for room and board may not be the full rate paid by someone who does not qualify for Medicaid. For example, seniors in receipt of the Assisted Living Waiver pay a predetermined rate for their room and board.
The Residential State Supplement Can Help Those With the Lowest Incomes
The Residential State Supplement provides seniors with additional support if they would otherwise struggle to pay for the cost of room and board at an assisted living facility. Seniors who have received Social Security, Supplemental Security Income or Supplemental Security Disability Insurance and meet income and asset limits can have all or part of their room and board paid through the supplement. Seniors who qualify for the program can have $200 per month left over after all fees are paid, as a personal needs allowance.