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

Senior adult with daughter and compassionate caregiver

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. You hear terms like "Medicaid Waiver," "Level of Care," and "Asset Limits," and suddenly, a simple goal feels like a mountain of paperwork.

At Silk In Home Care, we aren’t just a family-owned agency; we are your "red tape navigators." We believe you shouldn't have to be a lawyer to get your parent the help they deserve. This guide is your map to the Medicaid PASSPORT program in Ohio.

Let’s break down the jargon and get you some answers.

💡 What Exactly is the PASSPORT Program?

The acronym stands for Pre-Admission Screening Providing Options and Resources Today.

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 PASSPORT program pays for a caregiver (like us!) to come to your parent's house. It covers the help they need, like bathing, meals, and safety monitoring, so they don't have to move.

The "Silk" Perspective: We’ve seen hundreds of families think they have to choose between "broke and at home" or "nursing home." PASSPORT is the middle ground that preserves both their savings and their independence.

🏛️ 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).
  • 3. The Financial Numbers: As of June 2026, gross monthly income must be at or below $2,982 and countable assets must be at or below $2,000.

🛁 What Services Does PASSPORT Actually Cover?

Caregiver helping a senior safely move through the home

If approved, your parent gets a "Plan of Care" which can include:

🗺️ How to Apply: The Step-by-Step Roadmap

  1. Initial Screening: Call your local Area Agency on Aging for a pre-screen.
  2. The Assessment: A nurse or social worker visits the home to evaluate physical needs.
  3. Financial Application: Submit paperwork to the County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS).
  4. Choosing Your Provider: Select a trusted agency like Silk to begin services.

🚗 Keeping Life Moving

Caregiver assisting senior with transportation

PASSPORT covers transportation and errands. Whether it's the grocery store or pharmacy, we help maintain their quality of life, not just their health.

🤝 Let’s Talk About the Next Step

Family and caregiver reviewing a care plan

Navigating Medicaid isn't something you have to do alone. We provide honest, pressure-free guidance. We are a family-owned agency where the owners answer the phones directly, and we have a concrete backup plan in place so your parent is never left alone.

"Helping Southern Ohio families keep their loved ones safe, happy, and home."