Ohio · DODD / PASSPORT / OHC Waivers

Ohio Medicaid waiver checklist

This checklist helps Ohio families organize the IO, PASSPORT, or OHC waiver application — from confirming Ohio Medicaid enrollment through contacting your County Board of DD or Area Agency on Aging and tracking the interest list. It is an organizer, not an eligibility decision.

Interest list note: Ohio DODD waiver interest lists are managed at the county level. Wait times vary significantly by county — IO waiver waits in some counties exceed several years. Request written confirmation of your interest list date from your County Board of DD; confirm current status directly with DODD or your county board.

Step 1

Identify the right Ohio waiver

Ohio splits its HCBS waivers by population. The IO, Level One, SELF, and Supported Living waivers are administered by DODD through County Boards of Developmental Disabilities — they serve people with developmental disabilities. The PASSPORT Waiver serves adults 60+ or adults with a nursing-facility level of care need through Area Agencies on Aging. The Ohio Home Care (OHC) Waiver serves adults under 60 with physical disabilities through managed care. Identify which population and agency applies to you before contacting any agency.

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Step 2

Contact your County Board of DD for IO or Level One waivers

For DODD waivers (IO, Level One, SELF, Supported Living), the starting point is your County Board of Developmental Disabilities. They complete an eligibility determination and place eligible individuals on a county interest list. Eligibility requires a documented developmental disability with onset before age 22. Contact your county board to request an intake appointment.

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Step 3

For PASSPORT: contact your Area Agency on Aging

The PASSPORT Waiver is for adults 60+ (or adults meeting nursing-facility level of care) and is managed through Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging. Contact your local AAA or call the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) for a PASSPORT referral. An assessment team determines eligibility and level of care.

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Step 4

Apply for Ohio Medicaid

All Ohio HCBS waivers require active Medicaid enrollment. Apply online at benefits.ohio.gov, by phone through your local County Department of Job and Family Services (CDJFS), or in person at a CDJFS office. Keep your Medicaid application confirmation number and your Ohio Medicaid ID.

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Step 5

Understand the county interest list — date matters

Ohio DODD waiver interest lists are maintained at the county level. Placement is based on the date you were added; wait times vary significantly by county and waiver type. IO waiver wait times in some Ohio counties run several years. Request written confirmation of your interest list date and keep it — it is your documented position.

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Step 6

Assemble eligibility documents before your county board meeting

Gather records confirming a developmental disability with onset before age 22 (psychological evaluation with IQ and adaptive behavior scores, medical records, IEP, or school testing), proof of Ohio residency, Ohio Medicaid enrollment confirmation, and identity documents (birth certificate, state ID or Social Security card). Having these ready prevents delays at intake.

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Step 7

Know the Individual Service Plan (ISP) process

Once a DODD waiver slot is offered, Ohio requires an Individual Service Plan developed with a support team before services begin. The ISP defines your goals and services. Participate actively in ISP development — it determines what waiver funding covers. Record the dates of all ISP meetings and your signature on each plan version.

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Step 8

Keep contact information current with your county board

Ohio county boards periodically contact families on the interest list to confirm they still want services. Missing a contact can result in removal from the list. Keep your address, phone, and email current with your county board at all times — record the date and outcome of every update call or letter.

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What to gather before your county board meeting

Having these records ready prevents stalls during eligibility review. Collect them before your first County Board of DD appointment.

Psychological evaluation (IQ + adaptive behavior)
Required for DODD eligibility — must show developmental disability with onset before age 22.
Medical records confirming the disability
Specialist notes, diagnosis records, and evaluation reports.
IEP or school records
If the applicant is or was school-age — transition records also useful.
Ohio Medicaid card or enrollment confirmation
Active Medicaid is required before waiver enrollment.
Proof of Ohio residency
Utility bill, lease, or official mail with current address.
Interest list confirmation
Written date confirmation from County Board of DD — save this document.

Save this Ohio checklist free Plus — forms assistant + reminders About Medicaid waiver waitlists

Ohio Medicaid waiver FAQ

How do I apply for an Ohio Medicaid waiver?

It depends on the waiver. For DODD waivers (IO, Level One, SELF, Supported Living), start by contacting your County Board of Developmental Disabilities — they complete eligibility determination and place eligible individuals on a county interest list. For the PASSPORT Waiver (adults 60+ or nursing-facility level of care), contact your local Area Agency on Aging. For Ohio Home Care (OHC), contact your Medicaid managed care organization. Ohio Medicaid must be active for any waiver.

Is there a waitlist for Ohio IO waivers?

Ohio maintains county-level interest lists for DODD waivers. Placement is based on the date you were added; wait times vary significantly by county and waiver type — IO waiver waits in some Ohio counties exceed several years. Request written confirmation of your interest list date from your County Board of DD and keep it as proof of your position.

What is the eligibility requirement for Ohio DODD waivers?

DODD waivers (IO, Level One, SELF, Supported Living) require a documented developmental disability with onset before age 22. A psychological evaluation with IQ and adaptive behavior scores is typically required for eligibility determination. Your County Board of DD will review records and complete the determination — contact them for the specific documents they require.

What documents do I need for an Ohio DODD waiver?

Before meeting with your County Board of DD, gather: a psychological evaluation with IQ and adaptive behavior scores (required for DODD eligibility); medical records confirming the developmental disability; an IEP or school testing records if the applicant is school-age; proof of Ohio residency; active Ohio Medicaid enrollment confirmation; and identity documents (birth certificate, state ID, Social Security card).

What is an Individual Service Plan (ISP) in Ohio?

An Individual Service Plan (ISP) is required for all DODD waiver participants before services begin. The ISP is developed with the person, their family, and a support team — it defines goals, services, and providers. Participating actively in ISP development matters because it determines what the waiver funds. Record the dates of all ISP meetings and keep a copy of every signed version.

How is the PASSPORT Waiver different from IO?

The PASSPORT Waiver is not a DODD program — it is administered through Ohio Department of Aging and Area Agencies on Aging. It serves adults 60+ or adults who qualify for a nursing-facility level of care (not limited to developmental disabilities). IO is a DODD waiver for people with developmental disabilities, administered through County Boards of DD. The two programs serve different populations and use different intake processes.

Does WaiverPath handle my Ohio application for me?

No — WaiverPath is an organizer for families, not an agency or representative. Free accounts open the Ohio checklist and remind you of key follow-up dates. Plus ($6.99/mo or $49/yr) adds a forms assistant for capturing your county board intake notes, document inventory, interest list log, and contact history in one place. Confirm eligibility, program tracks, and timelines with your County Board of DD or assigned agency.

Official sources

Last reviewed by WaiverPath: July 22, 2026.

Medicaid.gov Home & Community Based ServicesFederal HCBS overview describing home and community-based services for Medicaid beneficiaries.Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities — Waivers and FundingDODD portal for IO, Level One, SELF, and Supported Living waiver information, interest lists, and county board contacts.Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities — County BoardsDODD directory of Ohio County Boards of Developmental Disabilities — the intake and eligibility starting point for DODD waivers.Ohio PASSPORT Waiver — Ohio Department of AgingOhio Department of Aging portal for the PASSPORT waiver serving adults 60+ or nursing-facility level of care.Ohio Medicaid — How to ApplyOhio Department of Medicaid portal for Medicaid applications required for all Ohio HCBS waivers.

WaiverPath is not a government agency, law firm, Medicaid provider, or benefits advisor. We help you organize information, documents, and follow-up tasks. Always verify requirements with the official agency or a qualified professional.