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Ohio Self-Direction Newsletter | August 2025

In this issue of the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) Self-Direction Newsletter:

• Self-Directed Services
• Services Training Tools
• Self-Direction Advisory Council Updates
• Self-Direction Communications Partner Packet

Self-Directed Services

Overview of Available Services

Self-direction is available through the Ohio Home Care Waiver and MyCare Waiver. Available services through self-direction may be different under each waiver.

Choices Home Care Attendant Description: Assist with daily living activities, home care, errands, medication, and money management. They can also provide and bill for transportation with prior approval. Available through: MyCare Waiver

Home Care Attendant Description: Trained, non-nursing staff assist with skilled nursing tasks (like medication administration and g-tube care), daily living activities, home support, errands, and community access, under RN consultation and provider approval. Available through: MyCare and Ohio Home Care Waivers

Personal Care Aide Description: Trained aides help with daily living and home activities, errands, medication reminders, and community access, but cannot assist with money management. Available through: MyCare and Ohio Home Care Waivers

Waiver Nursing Description: Licensed nurses provide skilled nursing care and some personal care support, with tasks performed within the nurse’s scope of practice and under appropriate medical orders. Available through: MyCare and Ohio Home Care Waivers.

Alternative Meals Description: Allow individuals to select their own meal suppliers, such as grocery stores, restaurants, or other providers. Available through: MyCare Waiver

Home Maintenance and Chores Description: Funds used for minor home repairs, heavy cleaning, hazard removal, and upkeep of modifications, up to $10,000 per year. Available through: MyCare Waiver

Home Medical Equipment and Supplies Description: Funds may be used to purchase medical equipment, supplies, or devices that promote independence, with services approved per item. Available through: MyCare Waiver

Home Modifications Description: Funds cover physical changes to the home, such as ramps or stairlifts, to improve accessibility and independence, up to $10,000 per year. Available through: MyCare and Ohio Home Care Waivers

Self-Directed Goods and Services Description: Funds (up to $2,500 per year) can be used for services, equipment, or supplies not otherwise covered, such as camps, gym memberships, or training expenses for service dogs. Available through: MyCare and Ohio Home Care Waivers

For more information about available self-directed services, please see the Service Descriptions Document. For general information about Self-Direction in Ohio, please visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) Self-Direction website or Self-Direction 101.

Services Training Tools

The Services Training Tools are reference guides highlighting available self-directed services under the Ohio Home Care and MyCare waivers that are provided by caregivers including:

1. Choices Home Care Attendant
2. Home Care Attendant
3. Personal Care Aide
4. Waiver Nursing

The tools summarize eligibility, required forms, and oversight, for each service to help providers and individuals stay informed.

Self-Direction Advisory Council Updates

The Self-Direction Advisory Council has formed a set of dedicated subcommittees to tackle important topics. This gives members the chance to collaborate closely and drive meaningful improvements for individuals enrolled in self-direction. Participants can look for deeper dives into:

1. Co-employer model
2. Establishing consistent terminology
3. Aligning or expanding services

The first co-employer model subcommittee meeting was held on July 23 and focused on the differences between common law and co-employer models. During this meeting, subcommittee members also discussed the roles and responsibilities of the employer and agency within the co-employer model. The presentation can be viewed here: 7/23 Self-Direction Advisory Council Co-Employer Model Subcommittee Meeting.

This discussion was continued during the second co-employer model subcommittee meeting, held on August 20. The presentation can be viewed here: 8/20 Self-Direction Advisory Council Co-Employer Model Subcommittee Meeting.

Our quarterly, virtual Self-Direction Advisory Council meetings are open to anyone interested in listening. The next Self-Direction Advisory Council meeting will be on Tuesday, November 18, 2–3:30 p.m. Please use the following link to register for the upcoming meeting: 11/18 Self-Direction Advisory Council.

Self-Direction Communications Partner Packet

The Self-Direction Communications Partner Packet is a resource for individuals who interact with Ohio Medicaid members. It includes templates and materials to inform Medicaid members about what self-direction is, the benefits of self-directing, and how to become involved. The Partner Packet includes: Guidance on self-direction and using the materials Key Messages to communicate the benefits of self-direction Communications Materials One-pager Brochure Social media images Flyer Postcard The Partner Packet is available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for all Ohioans. Translated versions are available in Arabic, Haitian Creole, Nepali, Russian, Somali, and Spanish. To view the full partner packet and associated materials, please see the Resources for Stakeholders and Partners page on the Self-Direction website.

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