Medicaid Waiver Programs That Support Non-Medical Home Care in Ohio
Medicaid Waiver Programs That Support Non-Medical Home Care in Ohio
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If you’re starting or scaling a non-medical home care agency in Ohio, understanding Medicaid Waiver Programs is essential. These programs help individuals remain in their homes rather than being placed in institutional settings — and they create key revenue opportunities for agencies like yours.
Let’s break down the top Medicaid Waiver Programs in Ohio that can benefit your agency and the clients you serve.
1. PASSPORT Waiver Program
Best for: Seniors aged 60+ who want to age in place
The PASSPORT Waiver (Pre-Admission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today) is the most widely used program for non-medical home care in Ohio. It allows eligible seniors to receive in-home support services under Medicaid rather than moving into a nursing facility.
Services covered include:
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Personal care assistance
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Homemaking (cleaning, laundry, errands)
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Chore services
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Transportation to appointments
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Meal delivery and nutritional support
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Adult day care and caregiver respite
This program is administered by your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and is one of the most accessible ways for a new agency to gain Medicaid clients.
Mentor Tip: Many clients start under PASSPORT and later convert to private-pay services. Build trust early!
2. Ohio Home Care Waiver
Best for: Adults under age 60 with disabilities or chronic medical needs
This waiver serves individuals under 60 who would otherwise require long-term care in a facility. It supports people living with physical disabilities, traumatic injuries, or chronic illness.
Services covered include:
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Personal care
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Homemaker services
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Respite care
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Meal prep and delivery
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Emergency response systems
Agencies must enroll through the Ohio Department of Medicaid and be willing to provide person-centered care that aligns with the individual’s home-based care plan.
3. Assisted Living Waiver
Best for: Seniors residing in licensed assisted living communities
While this waiver focuses more on residential providers than traditional in-home care agencies, it’s worth knowing if your business ever expands into residential care models.
It covers non-medical support services within a licensed assisted living setting — including personal care, meals, and housekeeping — for Medicaid recipients.
4. Developmental Disabilities Waivers (Transitions DD, Level One, etc.)
Best for: Agencies ready to serve individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
These waivers are administered through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) and can include services like:
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Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC)
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Transportation
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Respite care
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Supported living assistance
Credentialing is more involved, but agencies that serve this population often become lifelong care partners for their clients. It’s a great option for agencies seeking specialized care niches.
5. MyCare Ohio (Integrated Medicaid/Medicare Managed Care)
Best for: Agencies serving dual-eligible adults age 18+
MyCare Ohio provides coordinated care for individuals who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. Services include case management, personal care, transportation, and more.
To serve these clients, your agency must contract with one or more Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) such as:
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Molina Healthcare
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CareSource
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Buckeye Health Plan
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Aetna Better Health
Mentor Tip: MCO credentialing takes time — but once in, the volume of clients can be steady and well-supported.
Want to Serve Waiver Clients in Ohio? Here's What You’ll Need:
To be eligible to serve Medicaid waiver clients, your agency must:
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Be Medicaid-enrolled with the Ohio Department of Medicaid
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Undergo any required provider credentialing based on the specific waiver program
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Stay compliant with service documentation, client care plans, and reporting standards
Top Cities in Ohio to Start a Non-Medical Home Care Agency
If you’re thinking about where to focus your marketing or even where to base your business, here are some of the best cities in Ohio for launching a home care agency:
1. Columbus (Franklin County)
Ohio’s capital and largest city, with a growing aging population and strong Medicaid utilization.
2. Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Rich in senior support infrastructure and a great referral market for PASSPORT Waiver clients.
3. Cleveland & Suburbs (Cuyahoga County)
Home to aging residents who need consistent personal care, homemaking, and respite services.
4. Dayton (Montgomery County)
Affordable cost of living and growing need for chronic care support at home.
5. Akron (Summit County)
Strong potential for Medicaid-based care and waiver referrals.
6. Toledo (Lucas County)
Strategically located near health systems with strong discharge and referral networks.
🔍 Bonus Tip: Suburban and rural counties around these cities often have less competition and more demand for compassionate care — don’t ignore the smaller markets!
Final Thoughts
The world of Medicaid waivers can feel overwhelming at first — but it’s one of the most sustainable ways to build a profitable, community-based home care agency in Ohio.
Start with PASSPORT if your target audience is seniors. If you plan to work with younger adults with disabilities or medically fragile conditions, look into the Ohio Home Care Waiver. And for those exploring specialty services, don’t ignore the long-term potential of developmental disabilities programs and MyCare Ohio contracts.
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