Ohio's primary home and community-based services waiver for seniors aged 60 and older — helping you remain independent and safe at home instead of moving to a nursing facility.
PASSPORT (Pre-Admission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today) is Ohio's Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver designed for adults aged 60 and older. Administered by the Ohio Department of Aging and the Ohio Department of Medicaid in partnership with Area Agencies on Aging, PASSPORT funds a comprehensive range of services that allow seniors to remain in their own homes and communities rather than entering nursing facilities.
PASSPORT is typically the largest of Ohio's HCBS waiver programs in terms of participants and provides essential daily living support, care coordination, and community-based services for Ohio's senior population. Cottage Home Care OH LLC is proud to be a PASSPORT-certified provider, delivering compassionate in-home care to seniors across Ohio.
If you or your loved one is currently enrolled in the Ohio Home Care Waiver and approaching age 60, our team will manage a smooth, seamless transition to PASSPORT — ensuring there is no gap in your care services.
Individuals turning 60 on or after January 1, 2024, are disenrolled from the Ohio Home Care Waiver within 120 days of their birthday and offered enrollment in PASSPORT if all eligibility requirements are met.
To qualify for the PASSPORT Waiver, individuals must generally meet the following criteria:
PASSPORT covers a broad range of in-home and community-based services designed to support seniors in maintaining independence and quality of life:
One of PASSPORT's most valued features is Structured Family Caregiving (SFC). Under this option, eligible family members who live with a qualified participant can receive training, support, and tax-free compensation to provide care for their loved one at home.
Cottage Home Care OH LLC helps families navigate the SFC enrollment process, training requirements, and payment setup.
PASSPORT requires active Ohio Medicaid enrollment. If you are not yet enrolled, apply at your county Department of Job and Family Services or through the Ohio Benefits portal.
Reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), which administers PASSPORT in your region. They will initiate the referral and assessment process.
A case manager will visit your home to evaluate your functional needs, medical conditions, and living situation to determine eligibility and appropriate services.
If eligible, your care manager develops a personalized plan based on your goals, preferences, and assessed needs — ensuring the right services are in place.
Your approved services begin. Annual reassessments and regular care manager contact keep your plan current and your care on track.
PASSPORT enrollment requires annual recertification of both Medicaid eligibility and waiver participation. Cottage Home Care OH LLC helps our clients stay organized, tracks renewal dates, and ensures paperwork is completed on time to avoid any interruptions in care.
PASSPORT typically has more availability than other specialized waivers in Ohio, but wait times can vary by region. Our team helps you apply promptly and monitors your application status to secure your spot as quickly as possible.
Need help starting your PASSPORT application? Contact Cottage Home Care OH LLC — our team will guide you through every step. You can also reach these state resources directly:
