The federal- and state-funded Medicaid program was established in 1965 to guarantee essential health care services to low-income Americans of all ages. In Ohio, the Department of Medicaid administers the program in accordance with federal laws and regulations. Seniors over age 64 are eligible for an Ohio Medicaid managed care plan that offers a range of benefits, including inpatient/outpatient hospital services, doctors visits, preventive care, prescriptions and transportation. To qualify for regular Medicaid coverage, Stark County seniors must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with a monthly income below $771 ($1,157 for couples) and less than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 per couple). Medicaid-eligible residents with monthly incomes below $2,313 qualify for long-term care in a nursing home as an entitlement. For more information about Ohio Medicaid or to apply, contact the Medicaid Consumer Hotline at (800) 324-8680 or visit Ohio Benefits. Ohio Medicaid Assisted Living Waiver Ohio Medicaid offers an assisted living waiver program to preserve the independence of elderly residents and delay or prevent nursing home placement. The waiver covers the cost of services such as personal care, housekeeping, laundry, social and recreational programs, on-site response, nursing care and meals in certified, licensed residential care facilities for seniors who:
- Need assistance with bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing, eating or mobility
- Have $2,000 or less in countable assets and income below 300% of the current Supplemental Security Income benefit
- Have the resources to pay the facility’s state-established room-and-board charges
Exempt assets include a principal home valued at less than $585,000, furnishings, personal effects, a burial trust and one vehicle. Income from all sources counts toward the limit. Exceptions are made for married couples if only one spouse applies for the waiver. The non-applicant spouse is entitled to a minimum maintenance needs allowance of $2,057.50 per month and a resource exemption of $126,420 in jointly owned assets. Enrollment in the ALW program requires submitting an application and completing telephone screening and an in-person assessment, after which financial eligibility is determined. Over-income applicants may have to pay a monthly amount toward the cost of services. The program is not an entitlement, and enrollment is limited, so seniors may have to wait for an available slot. To learn more about the Assisted Living waiver, visit
Ohio Medicaid. To apply, contact the
Akron/Canton Area Agency on Aging at (800) 421-7277.