How choosing a provider works in Franklin County
If your family member has a waiver through the county board, you get to choose who provides services. Here is how that works, in plain language.
You have the right to choose
People with a waiver, and their guardians, can choose any provider that is qualified and willing to serve them. You are not limited to a short list from the county.
Why the county will not recommend one
Ohio's Free Choice of Provider rule means county staff cannot promote one provider over another. If you are not sure where to start, your Service Coordinator can point you to the Ohio DODD provider search and help you set up interviews with the providers you choose.
Where this site fits
Franklin County Family Supports does not rank or recommend. It helps you learn what each service is, find providers in one place, and walk into your meeting with a short list and good questions.
The steps, start to finish
- The county board confirms eligibility and assigns a Service and Support Administrator (SSA).
- You and your SSA write an Individual Service Plan (ISP) listing the services needed.
- You choose providers and interview them.
- Your SSA sets up the plan and payment authorization with the provider, and a start date is set.
Tips for interviewing providers
- Talk to at least two or three providers for the same service.
- Ask about openings and waitlists first, so you do not lose time.
- Ask how they handle staff call offs, and who you call with a concern.
- Visit in person when you can. Notice how staff talk to the people they support.
Private pay families can often contact providers directly, depending on the service.