Ohio:
PASSPORT Medicaid Waiver — Consumer-Directed Service Options

Choose a service before comparing pay

Choices and consumer-directed personal care are named PASSPORT options, not interchangeable labels for every type of home support. Ask the case manager what each proposed service covers and what training it requires. The participant or a permitted representative handles hiring, supervision and scheduling, while a contracted financial management service handles assigned payroll functions. Keep the case-management contact and fiscal contact separately: neither a payroll account nor a caregiver application substitutes for an approved service plan.

PASSPORT evaluates the older adult first

The Department of Aging lists age 60 or older, Medicaid financial eligibility and the required level of care among PASSPORT conditions. The assessment considers whether a community arrangement can meet the person’s needs. Start with the local aging agency rather than selecting a wage from an online table. Bring a description of daily assistance, available support and current services. Some official pages contain older financial examples; verify the applicable current eligibility rules instead of reusing a dated income figure.

Separate program entry from worker certification

An initial screening, a care assessment, Medicaid eligibility and worker certification can progress on different timelines. Ask the PASSPORT Administrative Agency which stage is pending and whether service availability affects the proposed start. ODA requires participant-direction providers to complete initial and continuing education, with agency contact before certification and annually. Allow for that preparation when organizing family care. This guide offers no fixed approval period or promise of payment for assistance delivered before the authorized arrangement begins.

Family relationships need an individual review

Ohio rule 5160-44-32 permits some spouse and legally responsible caregiver arrangements under specified conditions. For spouses, the extraordinary-care assessment is part of that review; being married does not itself establish eligibility. Disclose powers of attorney, guardianship and representative duties to the case manager. In participant-directed services, a representative designated through the financial management service cannot also be the direct care worker. Request a written explanation of the approved roles before completing payroll enrollment.

Use the EVV instructions for the exact service

ODA’s January 2026 notice links PASSPORT claims processing with Electronic Visit Verification and directs Choices workers using PPL to that fiscal service for questions. Confirm how visits, corrections and any applicable exceptions are handled; living together is not enough to assume an exemption. Ohio’s relationship rule also separates the worker from verification on the participant’s behalf. Record only the authorized care actually delivered, and resolve discrepancies before submitting overlapping work or care for another person.

Your next steps

1. Contact the local aging agency about PASSPORT screening.
2. Identify the participant-directed service in the proposed plan.
3. Disclose family and legal-representative relationships.
4. Complete required certification, training and fiscal enrollment.
5. Confirm authorization dates and the service’s visit-recording rules.

Explore a pay scenario

The table uses a hypothetical amount of $18.00 per hour. This is not a rate verified for this state. Approved units depend on the assessment and written plan; the table does not establish a maximum or entitlement.

Monthly average = weekly × 52 ÷ 12. Overtime and taxes are not calculated.

Does caregiver pay qualify for IRS Notice 2014-7?

IRS Notice 2014-7 can exclude certain qualifying Medicaid waiver payments from federal gross income when the care recipient lives in the provider’s home. Sharing a home alone is not enough: the payment and program must qualify. This is not an exemption for all caregiver wages, all taxes or all state programs. Ask payroll which payments are covered and check the IRS guidance or a qualified tax adviser. Our calculator does not apply a tax exemption.

Questions families ask

Official sources and review notes

• PASSPORT overview
• PASSPORT eligibility
• PASSPORT participant direction
• Provider training and education
• Ohio Administrative Code 5160-44-32
• ODA EVV notice, January 2026

Sources describe the named programs; they do not endorse this website. Rules and provider arrangements can change. Check the linked agency before making a financial decision.