Who qualifies
Under OAC 5160-31-03 you must:
- be 60 or older when you enroll,
- be financially eligible for Ohio Medicaid,
- need an intermediate or skilled level of care (the level that would qualify you for a nursing home), and
- be able to live safely at home or in a qualifying community setting, needing at least one waiver service each month.
Under 60? The Ohio Home Care waiver covers people through age 59 (OAC 5160-46-02). Living in assisted living? Look at the Assisted Living waiver (age 21+, OAC 5160-33-03).
What it covers
The Ohio Department of Medicaid's PASSPORT sheet lists services including personal care, homemaker help, adult day services, home-delivered meals, home modification and repair, medical equipment, emergency response systems, non-medical transportation, respite and waiver nursing. A case manager builds a plan around your needs.
How to apply
- Call 1-866-243-5678. You'll be connected to the area agency on aging for your county, which starts with a phone screening.
- Complete an in-person assessment. It confirms whether you need a nursing-facility level of care.
- Apply for Medicaid if needed. At benefits.ohio.gov or your county Job and Family Services office. Form ODM 02399 requests waiver services.
- Start services. Your case manager arranges local providers and follows up.
PASSPORT and MyCare Ohio
Since August 1, 2026, Next Generation MyCare Ohio covers all 88 counties. People on PASSPORT who join MyCare move to the MyCare Ohio Waiver. PASSPORT continues for people 60 and older who aren't in MyCare. Details: PASSPORT and other Ohio waivers.
For Medicare questions that come with home care, such as Part D plans, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
Does Ohio Medicaid pay for nursing home care?
Rules for nursing home Medicaid.
What is a qualified income trust in Ohio?
When income is too high for long-term care Medicaid.
What is Next Generation MyCare Ohio?
Where the MyCare Ohio Waiver comes in.
Sources
- Ohio Administrative Code — Rule 5160-31-03, PASSPORT HCBS waiver program: eligibility and enrollment
- Ohio Department of Medicaid — PASSPORT Waiver program sheet
- Ohio Department of Aging — PASSPORT
- Ohio Department of Medicaid — Next Generation MyCare Member Frequently Asked Questions (April 2026)
More questions in this guide
- Can I have Ohio Medicaid and Medicare at the same time?
- Does Ohio Medicaid pay for nursing home care?
- Does Ohio Medicaid take your house after you die?
- Is MyCare Ohio available in my county?
- What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid in Ohio?
- What is a dual eligible special needs plan in Ohio?
- What is a qualified income trust (Miller trust) in Ohio?
- What is MyCare Ohio?
- What is Next Generation MyCare Ohio?
Part of the guide: Ohio Medicaid and Medicare together · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare pay for PASSPORT services?
No. PASSPORT is a Medicaid program. Medicare covers home health care only when you are homebound and need part-time skilled care; it doesn't pay for ongoing personal care.
I'm in MyCare Ohio. Can I get PASSPORT?
MyCare members get waiver services through the MyCare Ohio Waiver instead, which the Ohio Department of Medicaid says has the same benefits or more. Ask your MyCare care coordinator.
Can a family member be paid to care for me on PASSPORT?
Sometimes. The Ohio Department of Aging says participants may be able to hire their own caregivers, but not every family member qualifies and training or certification may be required.
Medicare in your Ohio county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Franklin · Cuyahoga · Hamilton · Summit · Montgomery · Lucas · Butler · Stark · Lorain · Warren · Delaware · Lake · Mahoning · Clermont · Trumbull · Licking · Medina · Greene · Fairfield · Portage · All 88 counties →
