When it comes to long-term care options paid for by Medicaid, nursing homes are the first thing most people think of. However, other options, including home care and assisted living, are available through Ohio’s PASSPORT and Assisted Living programs.

Of particular interest to many elderly Ohio residents is the PASSPORT program, which recently received renewed funding through the year 2013. This program pays for home and community-based services that keep folks out of nursing homes.

A Special Needs Trust for a Dayton or Ohio resident with special care needs is an excellent way to ensure that person’s needs continue to be met for the rest of their life. A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is designed to accomplish two important goals:

• Allow a person with special medical needs (the trust beneficiary) to maintain their Medicaid eligibility while still having access to assets and funds
• Ensure the beneficiary has funds for future needs not paid for by Medicaid