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The Miami University Scripps Gerontology Center has evaluated the first nine months of Ohio's Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver Program, and found high satisfaction.
The waiver is administered by the Ohio Department of Aging and operated through the regional network of PASSPORT Administrative Agencies. Researchers at Scripps evaluated the program's performance for the initial implementation period, July 2006 through March 2007.
Among the key evaluation findings:
• Enrollment in the program was slower than originally anticipated, although Ohio's implementation experience is similar to that of other states. As of June 1, 2007, 193 individuals had entered the program and 190 were on a waiting list, most of whom are waiting for a suitable facility. Statewide, 54 assisted living residences participate in the program.
• Assisted living waiver participants report high levels of satisfaction with the enrollment process, staff behavior and assistance, freedom, comfort level and sense of safety.
• Participants in the Assisted Living Waiver Program report high levels of disability. Half have four or more impairments in their ability to perform activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing; three quarters have three or more activity limitations.
• The average monthly reimbursement rate across all regions of the state, combining room and board and service, was $2,711. The statewide average monthly rate by region for Medicaid nursing home care was $5,059.
The Assisted Living Waiver Program is part of an effort to reform long-term care. Ohio is the 42nd state to implement a Medicaid Assisted Living Waiver Program.
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