In short
Ohio has one of the larger long-term care systems in the Midwest, with assisted living averaging about $6,103 a month statewide. The Ohio Department of Medicaid offers nursing home coverage and in-home care through the PASSPORT waiver, MyCare Ohio, and Assisted Living Waiver programs, with regional Area Agencies on Aging providing local navigation.
Ohio’s senior care landscape
Ohio has one of the more extensive long-term care systems in the Midwest. The state’s PASSPORT Medicaid waiver is one of the oldest and largest home- and community-based programs in the country, helping seniors stay in their own homes rather than moving to a facility.
The major metro areas — Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton — each have a full range of senior care options, from independent living to skilled nursing. Costs vary noticeably between urban and rural areas, with rural counties generally offering more affordable assisted living but fewer choices.
Ohio’s Department of Aging publishes a Long-Term Care Consumer Guide with facility data, and the Central Ohio AAA (COAAA) serves the Columbus region with PASSPORT, MyCare Ohio, and Assisted Living Waiver programs.
What care costs in Ohio
These are Ohio-wide medians from the 2025 CareScout Cost of Care Survey. Actual costs in your city can be higher or lower.
| Type of care | Ohio median (2025) | National median (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted living | $6,103 a month | $6,200 a month |
| Nursing home (semi-private) | $9,186 a month | $9,581 a month |
| Home care (44 hrs/wk) | $6,483 a month | $6,673 a month |
Not sure where to start?
Tell us where your parent is and what kind of care they need. We’ll tell you the options in their area and help you narrow to the few worth your time.
How Ohio helps families pay
Ohio programs that help seniors pay for care
- Medicaid long-term care
- Ohio’s PASSPORT program is the state’s Medicaid HCBS waiver, helping seniors pay for home care and community-based services. MyCare Ohio covers dual eligibles.
- Who qualifies
- Income limit of $2,982/month single; assets under $2,000.
- Where to start
- Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA), 1-800-589-7277 or 614-645-7250
- Veterans
- VA Aid and Attendance pension for wartime veterans who need help with daily activities.
- Medicare
- Does not pay for assisted living or long-term care. Covers short rehab stays.
Sources: Ohio Department of Medicaid; COAAA; Medicare.gov; VA.gov. Rules change; confirm current eligibility.
Our Ohio city pages
Each city page has specific cost ranges, local Area Agency on Aging contacts, neighborhood guidance, and answers to local questions.
| City | County | Typical AL cost |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus | Franklin County | $5,000 to $6,500/mo |
Questions families ask
How does Ohio’s PASSPORT program work?
PASSPORT is Ohio’s Medicaid waiver that helps seniors who qualify pay for home care and community-based services as an alternative to nursing home placement.
Does Ohio have Medicaid for assisted living?
Yes, Ohio has an Assisted Living Waiver through the Ohio Department of Medicaid that helps pay for assisted living for qualifying seniors.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living in Ohio?
No. Medicare does not pay for assisted living or any form of long-term custodial care.
Sources: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, carescout.com/cost-of-care; State agency websites; Medicare.gov; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved October 8, 2026.