Ohio
PASSPORT Home Care Program (PASSPORT)
Self-directed care programs in Ohio that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
PASSPORT Home Care Program
Wait: VariesPA Hourly Rate
$13.00 - $17.00
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$1,000 - $3,200
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire your spouse or family members as paid caregivers
- Self-direct your personal care services
- Receive homemaker, personal care, and companion services
- Access home modifications and emergency response systems
- Get home-delivered meals through the program
- Use adult day services for socialization and supervision
What You Can't Do
- Enroll if you are under 60 years old (see OHC or SELF Waiver instead)
- Use PASSPORT funds for room, board, or rent
- Receive services while in a nursing facility
- Exceed your authorized service plan budget
- Hire a caregiver who fails required background checks
- Use funds for medical or skilled nursing procedures
How to Apply
Apply for Ohio Medicaid
Ensure Medicaid enrollment through your county JFS or at (800) 324-8680.
Contact your Area Agency on Aging
Call your local AAA or (866) 243-5678 for a PASSPORT assessment referral.
Complete PASSPORT assessment
A case manager evaluates whether you meet the 60+ age requirement and nursing facility level of care.
Receive enrollment or waitlist placement
If eligible and a slot is available, you're enrolled. Otherwise, you join the waitlist.
Choose self-directed services
Elect the self-directed option to manage your own caregivers.
Develop service plan
Work with your case manager to create your individualized care plan.
Hire and enroll caregivers
Recruit your caregivers and complete enrollment through the fiscal intermediary.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in Ohio
Government-issued photo ID
Valid identification
Social Security card
For payroll processing
W-4 tax withholding form
Tax withholding
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Work authorization
Ohio BCI background check
Bureau of Criminal Investigation background check
FBI fingerprint check
Federal fingerprint-based background check
Ohio Nurse Aide Registry check
Clearance from the registry
Direct deposit form
Bank account for payment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PASSPORT program in Ohio?
PASSPORT provides home and community-based services for Ohioans aged 60 and older who meet nursing facility level of care. It includes a self-directed option.
Who is eligible?
You must be 60 or older, enrolled in Ohio Medicaid, and meet nursing facility level of care. PASSPORT specifically serves the elderly population.
Can my spouse be my caregiver?
Yes. Ohio allows spouses to be paid caregivers under PASSPORT's self-directed option.
What if I'm under 60?
If you're under 60, you may qualify for other Ohio waiver programs like the Ohio Home Care Waiver (OHC) or SELF Waiver, which serve younger adults with disabilities.
Is there a waitlist?
Availability varies by county and Area Agency on Aging. Some areas have waiting lists while others can enroll immediately.
What services are covered?
Personal care, homemaker services, home-delivered meals, adult day services, emergency response systems, home modifications, and more.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for Ohio's PASSPORT program.