ODA is working with Social Security Administration offices to develop a form letter that will aid
consumers in obtaining SSI when entering an assisted living facility or applying for SSI the
first time. In some cases, the Social Security Administration is only granting $30 of a
consumer’s SSI check because the AL facility is considered a ‘facility’ instead of a residence.
AL waiver consumers are required to pay room and board from their SSI checks.
For an overview of this waiver, you can go to AL Waiver
This waiver started on July 1, 2006 and is open to 1,800 Medicaid consumers who qualify. The Medicaid consumer can be 21 years of age or older.
There is an assisted living waiver update March, 2008. To view it, go to ALW Update
The person must be;
- A current NF resident, OR an existing Medicaid Waiver participant such as PASSPORT, Ohio Home Care, Choices, OR a current Residential Care Facility Resident who has paid privately for at least six months.
- The monthly income requirement is $1809.00 or less.
- The Applicant must require assistance with two activities of daily living (ADL's)that cannot be met through scheduled assistance. Some ADL examples include bathing, grooming, dressing, medication administration, and transferring in and out of a bed, chair,etc.
- Be 21 years or older
- Be able to pay monthly room and board
An interested Medicaid consumer can apply for the program by contacting their local Area Agency on Aging. To Find your local Agency, go to Area Agency on Aging.
A worker from your local Area Agency on Aging will conduct an assessment to determine if the applicant meets the criteria for the program. If the applicant does qualify, the person will be placed in a facility certified by the Ohio Department of Aging. The applicant will be able to receive personal, on site care, 24-hour a day response capability, meals, transportation, social and recreational activities and some nursing care.
Recipients of the Assisted Living Waiver are able to keep a portion of their monthly income to pay for their room and board and personal needs. Other income remaining is the patient liability and is paid directly to the facility to help cover the cost of the applicant's care. Prescription copays are the responsibility of the participant.
A one time transition service of no more than $1,500 is available to help residents of nursing facilities purchase necessary items when moving into an assisted living facility. Some examples include dishes, clothing furniture, telephone, etc.
To view a complete listing of all the assisted living facilities that participate in the assisted living waiver, go to Assisted Living Map
