A Beginner’s Guide to Ohio’s PASSPORT Program: How to Get Care Covered

You want your mom or dad to stay in the home they love. You want them to wake up in their own bed, sip coffee in their favorite chair, and keep their dignity intact.

But you’ve looked at the costs of in-home senior care in Ohio, and your stomach did a little flip. It’s expensive. We know. And around Southern Ohio, it can feel like the whole system is built to confuse regular families.

At Silk In Home Care, we aren’t just a family-owned agency; we are your "red tape navigators." This guide is your map to the Medicaid PASSPORT program in Ohio.

💡 What Exactly is the PASSPORT Program?

In plain English? It is a program for Ohioans who are frail enough to qualify for a nursing home but prefer to stay at home.

Instead of Medicaid paying for a room in a facility, the program pays for a caregiver (like us!) to come to your parent's house. It covers help with bathing, meals, and safety monitoring.

🏛️ The "Big Three" Eligibility Rules for 2026

To get into the program, your parent has to meet three specific criteria:

1. The Age Requirement

Your loved one generally must be 60 years of age or older.

2. The "Nursing Home" Level of Care

This means they need hands-on help with at least two "Activities of Daily Living" (ADLs). Red flags include: unsteadiness, inability to safely use the tub, or forgetting to eat.

3. The Financial Numbers (Updated June 2026)

• Monthly Income: Gross income must be at or below $2,982.
• Countable Assets: Must be at or below $2,000.

🛁 What Services Does PASSPORT Cover?

• Personal Care: Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Homemaker Services: Light housekeeping and laundry.
• Respite Care: Giving you a break.
• Companion Care: Transportation and meaningful conversation.

🗺️ How to Apply: The Roadmap

1. The Initial Screening: Call the Area Agency on Aging for a phone "pre-screen."
2. The Assessment: A nurse visits the home to perform a functional assessment.
3. Financial Application: Apply via your local County JFS office.
4. Choosing Your Provider: Once approved, you choose who comes into the home. This is where we come in.