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Ohio · How-To Guide

How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level (Ohio has 12 AAAs) / Ohio Department of Aging - ODA (state level)
Details

What you need to know

Fee
Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: aging.ohio.gov; 211.org; medicaid.ohio.gov WHERE TO GO: Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 Ohio; county DJFS (Department of Job and Family Services)
Online Option
aging.ohio.gov; 211.org; medicaid.ohio.gov
Where to Go
Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 Ohio; county DJFS (Department of Job and Family Services)
County-specific variations apply

Ohio's 12 AAAs correspond to planning and service areas (PSAs). Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), Franklin County (Columbus), Hamilton County (Cincinnati), and Summit County (Akron) are in the most resourced urban AAAs with extensive service networks. Rural Appalachian Ohio (southeastern Ohio - Athens, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Vinton, Jackson, Scioto counties) may have more limited local senior infrastructure; poverty rates in Appalachian Ohio are high and senior services particularly important there.

Ohio Notes

Important state-specific details

  • OSHIIP (Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program): Ohio's free Medicare counseling - contact your regional AAA or OSHIIP at 1-800-686-1578; helps with Medicare plan selection, billing disputes, and Part D.
  • PASSPORT WAIVER: Ohio's primary Medicaid HCBS waiver for adults 60+ allowing home-based care instead of nursing home placement; apply through Ohio Medicaid/AAA; (800) 324-8680.
  • HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION: income-based property tax exemption for seniors 65+ and permanently disabled; apply with County Auditor; significant relief in high-property-tax Ohio.
  • HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program): important in Ohio's cold winters; apply through county DJFS or community action agency; 2-1-1 can connect you.
  • Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through county DJFS or call 2-1-1; statewide reporting line: (855) 743-7272.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Ohio Department of Aging - aging.ohio.gov | (614) 466-5500; OSHIIP Medicare counseling: 1-800-686-1578; Ohio Medicaid (PASSPORT): medicaid.ohio.gov | (800) 324-8680; APS reporting: (855) 743-7272; 2-1-1 Ohio: dial 211