Introduction
Understanding how to pay for home healthcare can be daunting. Fortunately, Ohio families have access to multiple coverage options through Medicare, Medicaid, and state waiver programs. These programs often cover essential services like skilled nursing, therapy, and home health aides—reducing the financial burden on families.
In this article, we provide a clear, fact-based overview of what’s covered, eligibility criteria, and how Horizon Healthcare Center can assist with navigating these options.
1. Medicare Home Health Coverage
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) may cover home health services if you meet eligibility criteria. Residents must be certified as homebound and in need of part-time or intermittent skilled services. Medicare+15Nolo+15Ohio Medicaid+15COAAA+3Ohio Medicaid+3Paying for Senior Care+3Medicare
Covered services may include:
- Skilled nursing (e.g., wound care, IV therapy)
- Therapies (physical, occupational, speech)
- Medical social services
- Home health aide care (when combined with other skilled services)
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME) if prescribed Medicare+1
Medicare generally covers these fully, with minimal cost to patients—no deductible for home health, though 20% coinsurance may apply for DME under Part B. Medicare+2Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline+2
2. Ohio Medicaid State Plan & Home Health
Ohio’s Medicaid State Plan covers limited home health services for eligible individuals, including aide services and nursing care prescribed as part of a care plan. HomeCare.org+4Ohio Medicaid+4Nolo+4
Many families instead qualify for more robust Home Care Waiver programs, which provide far more services tailored to individual needs. Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline+15Nolo+15Ohio Medicaid+15
3. Ohio Waiver Programs – Keeping Care at Home
Ohio offers several Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers to help families keep loved ones at home rather than in institutions:
- Ohio Home Care Waiver (for ages 18–59): Includes personal care, skilled nursing, therapy, home modifications, meals, transportation, and more. Medicaid+2Cuyahoga County+2
- PASSPORT Waiver (age 60+): Offers personal care, homemaker services, meal delivery, transportation, caregiver support, and other community-based assistance. MedicaidNolo
- MyCare Ohio (ICDS Waiver): For dual-eligible individuals (Medicare + Medicaid) in 29 counties. Offers a coordinated plan covering medical, personal, and support services through one managed care plan. Includes home care services, therapy, transportation, and more. Medicaid+4Paying for Senior Care+4Molina Healthcare+4
These waiver services can include items like home medical equipment, out-of-home respite, personal emergency response systems, social work counseling, and home modifications. en.wikipedia.org+13Molina Healthcare+13Medicaid+13
4. Additional Programs: PACE
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides comprehensive home and community services—including medical care, therapy, meals, social support, and transportation—to participants over age 55 who qualify for nursing home-level care. PACE helps people remain in their communities rather than moving to institutional settings. HomeCare.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3Nolo+3
5. Making Sense of Coverage Options
| Coverage Path | Ideal For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Home Health | Temporary skilled medical needs; homebound individuals | Covers nursing, therapy, aide services at home |
| Ohio Home Care Waivers | Younger adults with disability, seniors needing chronic care | Wide range of daily, medical, and support services |
| PASSPORT Waiver | Older adults (60+) needing assistance in the home | Community-based services; supports aging in place |
| MyCare Ohio | Medicare & Medicaid enrollees in specific counties | Integrated, all-in-one managed care benefits |
| PACE | Elderly needing comprehensive, ongoing support | Fully integrated care allowing staying at home |
Conclusion & CTA
Getting help paying for home healthcare in Ohio doesn’t have to be overwhelming—options are available for nearly every type of care need. Whether you’re exploring Medicare, Medicaid, waiver programs, or PACE, Horizon Healthcare Center is here to assist.
📞 Call us at (614) 532-8119 or
💻 Schedule a free consultation online to see which option qualifies you or your loved one.
