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In-Home Care in Ohio

If you want to maintain your health and independence well into your golden years, the Buckeye State offers a variety of services to help you stay active and age in place. According to the Ohio Department of Aging, 2.5 million state residents are aged 60 or older. This segment is growing 20 times faster than the rest of the population, so retirees are in good company. In fact, researchers at Miami University estimate that by 2025, one in four Ohioans will be in this age group.

Older adults in Ohio have access to fantastic amenities, including an excellent health care system. The Cleveland Clinic and OSU’s Wexner Medical Center are nationally recognized. Additionally, approximately 800 home health agencies provide skilled care to seniors living in diverse communities. The median cost of nonmedical in-home care is $4,957. Providers that offer chore assistance and personal care, as well as skilled nursing, typically charge $5,053 per month.

This guide takes a look at home care prices in Ohio and neighboring states as well as financial assistance programs available through Medicaid. You’ll also find information to help you apply for benefits and access resources in your community.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Ohio

According to Genworth Financial’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, you can expect to pay $4,957 per month for in-home care in Ohio, which is on par with the national average. Rates are identical in Pennsylvania and slightly lower in Kentucky and Indiana. Home care prices increased by about 12% in Michigan to $5,529. West Virginia offers a much better value. Median rates of $3,527 per month save residents about 28% in-home care.

Ohio

$4957

The United States

$4957

Pennsylvania

$4957

Michigan

$5529

Indiana

$4767

Kentucky

$4767

West Virginia

$3527

In Toledo, home care prices are on par with the state median of $4,957 and about $200-$240 higher than average in Cincinnati and Cleveland. However, there are some outliers. Akron is the most affordable major city for home care with median rates of $4,052. If you live in Columbus, you’ll pay about $668 more than the state median for every month of care, which adds up to more than $8,000 per year. Dayton is another costly option with rates that are $477 higher than average.

Columbus

$5625

Cleveland

$5196

Cincinnati

$5148

Toledo

$4957

Akron

$4052

Dayton

$5434

If you’re considering long-term care, you want to think about cost, convenience and your personal preferences. In-home care costs about $300 more than assisted living, which averages $4,635. Seniors who live at home also incur additional monthly expenses that should be factored in. Home health care costs about $2,250 less than skilled nursing although these agencies provide some of the same medical and rehabilitative services. The main difference is that home health care agencies typically don’t offer 24/7 supportive services.

In-Home Care

$4957

Home Health Care

$5053

Nursing Home Care

$7300

Assisted Living

$4635

Adult Day Health Care

$1733

Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Ohio?

Ohio’s Medicaid program covers Home Health Services through its official Medicaid State Plan. This benefit is available to all Medicaid beneficiaries regardless of age, but the services must be medically necessary. Additionally, care is limited to eight hours a day and 14 hours per week. Most visits are two hours or less. Ohio’s Medicaid State Plan covers part-time Home Health Services provided by home health care, nurses and physical therapists. Private-duty nursing is available to individuals who require additional care. If you’re eligible for nursing home care but want to remain in the community, you may qualify for one of the state’s home-based and community-based services waivers.

Home Care Waiver Programs in Ohio

Waivers allow the state to cover services that aren’t usually available through Medicaid, including chore assistance, meals and other supports. The state must receive permission from the federal government to operate these programs that are intended to help beneficiaries avoid nursing home placement.

WaiverContactArea servedService provided
PASSPORT(800) 266-4346StatewidePASSPORT is a Medicaid waiver program that provides long-term services and supports to adults aged 60 or older who require nursing home care. Service plans are coordinated by a case manager and may include personal care, in-home care services, chore assistance, delivered meals, emergency response systems, transportation and daytime care. There’s also a self-directed option that lets you hire your own caregivers. Contact your local PASSPORT agency to apply.
Home Care Waiver(844) 644-6582StatewideOhio's Home Care Waiver helps disabled adults who require a nursing home level of care. Covered services include personal care, home care attendants, transportation, assistive technology, emergency responsive systems, home modifications and nursing. You can apply by completing a waiver application and mailing it to your county's Job and Family Services office.
McGregor PACE(888) 895-7223Cuyahoga CountyThis Medicaid alternative follows an integrated care model that's been used since the 1970s. The goal of this program provides coordinated medical care and nonmedical support that keeps residents out of nursing homes. You may qualify for this program if you live in Cuyahoga County, are aged 55 or older and require a nursing home level of care. Individuals who receive Medicare or Medicaid may be eligible.
HOME Choice(888) 221-1560StatewideSince 2008, HOME Choice has helped more than 14,500 nursing home residents regain their independence. This program works with adults aged 18 and older who have been in a long-term care facility for at least 60 days and want to return to the community. It provides care coordination and helps with the cost of the transition.

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Ohio

Ohio has strict income limits for regular Medicaid. Individuals who want to apply for Medicaid based on their age or disability status may earn up to $841 per month for 2022. If you’re applying with a spouse, your household income cannot exceed $1,261 per month. Income limits are based on the federal benefit rate and are updated regularly. Assets are limited to $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. Different rules apply if you need a nursing home level of care and want to apply for Medicaid waivers.

2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Ohio

Income limits*Asset limits
Single Person$10,092$2,000
Two-Person Household$15,132$3,000

*Per year 

Ohio requires applicants meet additional age and residency requirements, apart from income and asset limits. Applicants must:

 

  • Be aged 65 or older, blind or disabled
  • Need health insurance or medical services
  • Provide proof of U.S. citizenship and legal residency
  • Live in the state of Ohio

How to Apply for Medicaid in Ohio

For most consumers, the easiest way to apply for Medicaid is by visiting the state’s official benefits portal at Benefits.Ohio.gov. The site also lets you check your eligibility before you apply. For in-person assistance, contact your County Department of Job and Family Services. These local offices handle applications for Medicaid and other financial assistance programs. They also accept paper applications if you’d rather complete a printed form. To apply over the phone, call the state’s Medicaid Consumer Hotline at (800) 324-8680. 

What Information You Will Need

Be prepared to provide information about yourself and other members of your household when you complete your application. Gather the following records to save time when you’re ready to apply.

 

  • Name and address
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security number
  • Federal tax filing status
  • Citizenship and/or residency information
  • Employment and expected income
  • Property, vehicles and financial resources
  • Existing health coverage
  • Medical expenses

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

There are a few ways to get help with Ohio’s Medicaid application. The following agencies can help you get started or check on the status of an existing application.

ProgramContactArea ServedServices provided
Medicaid Consumer Hotline(800) 324-8680StatewideFor help with Medicaid or to submit an application over the phone, contact the statewide Consumer Hotline for assistance. Choice Counselors can help you manage your benefits Monday through Saturday.
Ohio Benefits Long Term Services and Supports(844) 644-6582StatewideThis bureau is responsible for handling inquiries related to Medicaid waivers that cover home care and related supports. Agents can help you select the best long-term care option for your needs.
County Job and Family Services OfficesSee DirectoryBy CountyMedicaid applications are handled at the local level by the Department of Job and Family Services. These agencies also offer Adult Protective Services and administer other government benefits that can help residents pay for essential expenses.
Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman(800) 282-1206StatewideIn addition to providing advice and handling complaints about long-term care providers, your regional long-term care ombudsman can help you learn more about government benefits, long-term care insurance and local services.
Bureau of State Hearings(614) 728-9574StatewideIf you disagree with a decision or if your application for Medicaid has been denied, you have 90 days to contact the Bureau of State Hearings or your county’s Job and Family Services office to request a hearing. Appeals can also be requested online.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Ohio?

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

 

  • Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
  • Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
  • Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

 

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in Ohio

While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Ohio

Ohio provides a wealth of resources to help you maintain your health and independence. The following organizations can help you locate supportive services that are available in your area.

ResourceContactArea ServedService
Area Agencies on Aging(866) 243-5678RegionalYour Area Agency on Aging is a one-stop-shop for information about home care, Medicaid long-term care and local resources that can help you maintain your independence. Thanks to federal funding, Meals on Wheels, accessible transportation, senior recreation programs and other resources are available in communities statewide.
Ohio Department on Aging(800) 266-4346StatewideThe Ohio Department on Aging is a comprehensive resource for information about long-term care, in-home support and other resources that are available statewide. It provides information about the Golden Buckeye discount card and many other free and low-cost programs that benefit older adults and their caregivers.
Family and Community Services(330) 297-7027Central and Northern OhioThis long-standing nonprofit administers more than 70 community-building programs that benefit seniors across central and northern Ohio. It operates community centers, provides accessible transportation and manages senior volunteer and companion programs that serve clients in multiple counties, including Trumbull, Portage, Miami, Summit, Montgomery and Clark counties, among others.
Catholic Social Services(614) 221-5891Central OhioCatholic Social Services provides an array of supportive services to seniors of all faiths. It operates five offices across central Ohio, including locations in Columbus, Newark and Zanesville. The organization offers transportation, companionship, money management and bill pay services. It also coordinates in-home care to help low-income seniors remain in their own homes.
Pro Seniors(513) 345-4160StatewideBased in Cincinnati, Pro Seniors has been advocating for older adults since 1975. It offers ombudsman services for seniors who receive home care, it also offers insurance counseling, Medicare fraud prevention services and free legal advice to residents aged 60 and older.
Home Energy Assistance Program(800) 282-0880StatewideHEAP is one of several federally funded Energy Assistance Programs available to seniors and low-income families in Ohio who struggle to afford their seasonal heating and cooling bills or face disconnection. Emergency payments are available to families who earn no more than 175% of the federal poverty level based on household size.
Home Weatherization Assistance Program(800) 848-1300By CountyIf you want lower utility bills month after month, Ohio’s Home Weatherization Assistance Program can help you invest in energy-efficient improvements. Home energy audits and weatherization services are available to residents who earn up to 200% of the federal poverty level for similarly sized households.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Health works with CMS to certify home health agencies that accept Medicare or Medicaid reimbursements. Home health and home care agencies are not licensed or registered in the state of Ohio. Certified providers must pass random on-site surveys conducted by the Bureau of Survey and Certification. Below is a table with a brief overview of the rules and regulations that govern home care agencies in Ohio.

TopicRule
Scope of CareAgencies providing home care that does not include medical care, may assist with activities of daily living, homemaking, transportation, companionship and other non-skilled services needed by the patient.
Care Plan RequirementsN/A
Medication Management RequirementsPatients eligible to self-administer medications may receive assistance from a care aide that includes opening packaging, reading information or providing reminders.
Staff Screening RequirementsAny staff member that provides direct care must complete a criminal background check. An employer must first check six listed free databases for the employer and may refuse employment based on information gathered.
Staff Training RequirementsN/A
Medicaid CoverageCMS-certified home health agencies may receive some or all of the cost of services through the PASSPORT Medicaid waiver.
Reporting AbuseFor seniors living at home, report all suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services at 1-855-644-6277. For those living in a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-282-1206.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Ohio

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.

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Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist
Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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