Ohio Medicaid waivers explained: Level One, IO, SELF, Home Care, and PASSPORT
A waiver is a Medicaid program that pays for support at home and in the community, instead of in a nursing home or institution. Ohio has several. Which one fits depends on the type of disability, the person's age, and how much help they need.
Franklin County Family Supports is an independent guide, not a state or county agency. Your county board or Medicaid office decides eligibility.
What every waiver requires
- Ohio residency and Medicaid eligibility, including income and resource rules.
- A certain level of care need, checked by an assessment.
- Using at least one waiver service each month.
- Taking part in person centered planning.
Waivers for developmental disabilities
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) runs three waivers. In Franklin County, you ask for these through the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. They are for people who meet the developmental disability level of care.
Level One Waiver
A good fit for people who need help with only a few things, or who have family and friends who handle some of their needs, like cooking, bathing, or driving. It is the only one of the three that includes informal respite, a short break for family caregivers.
Individual Options (IO) Waiver
A good fit for people who need a lot of help at home, or many different kinds of services. IO is the only one of the three that covers shared living, nutrition, social work, interpreter services, and community transition for someone moving out of a facility.
SELF Waiver (Self Empowered Life Funding)
A good fit for people who want to be in charge. With SELF, you can hire and train your own support staff and manage a budget for the services you choose.
What all three can pay for
- Adult day services and job support, such as career planning and employment support.
- Respite at community sites or in a residential setting.
- Home changes for accessibility, vehicle changes, and assistive technology.
- Transportation, home delivered meals, and remote support.
- Support brokerage, a person paid through the waiver to help manage the budget and find staff.
Homemaker and personal care from an agency is covered by Level One and IO. On SELF, a participant directed version lets you hire your own helper.
Waivers for physical disabilities and older adults
These are run by Ohio Medicaid and the Ohio Department of Aging. They are for people who meet a nursing facility level of care.
- Ohio Home Care Waiver: ages 0 to 59 with physical disabilities, care in the home.
- PASSPORT: age 65 and older, or ages 60 to 64 with a physical disability, care in the home.
- Assisted Living Waiver: age 21 and older, living in a certified residential care facility.
- MyCare Ohio: age 18 and older with both Medicare and Medicaid, through a managed care plan.
OhioRISE Waiver
For young people up to age 20 with serious emotional and behavioral health needs. Only an OhioRISE Care Management Entity can help with assessment and enrollment.
How to ask for a waiver in Franklin County
- Developmental disability waivers (Level One, IO, SELF): call FCBDD Intake at 614-342-5490. If you already have a Service Coordinator, ask them.
- Home Care, PASSPORT, and other Medicaid waivers: ask on your Medicaid application, turn in form ODM 02399 to Franklin County Job and Family Services, or call Ohio Benefits Long Term Services and Supports at 844-644-6582.
About waiting lists
Waiver spots are limited. FCBDD has a waiting list for all of its waivers. People are served by the date they joined the list and by priority, and urgent situations may be served sooner. Ask early, even if you do not need services today.
Questions to ask
- Which waiver fits our needs best, and why?
- Can we get on the waiting list now?
- What services can we use while we wait?
- Can we switch waivers later if needs change?
Checked against Ohio Medicaid and DODD websites on October 26, 2026. Waiver rules change, so confirm details with your county board or Medicaid office.