Area Agencies on Aging in Ohio

Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in Ohio (2026)

Last updated: January 06, 2026

If You Need Emergency Help

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.

For urgent aging or disability assistance:

• Ohio AAA Statewide Line: 1-866-243-5678 – Connects you to your local Area Agency on Aging
• Adult Protective Services: Contact your local AAA – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 – Free, confidential support
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 – Mental health crisis support
• Ohio Crisis Text Line: Text “4HOPE” to 741741 – State-specific crisis support

For immediate food and emergency assistance:

• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for emergency food programs
• Ohio 211: Dial 2-1-1 – General emergency resources and assistance
• SNAP Hotline: Contact your county Department of Job and Family Services

Key Takeaways

• Ohio has 12 Area Agencies on Aging serving all 88 counties across the state
• Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to your local AAA anywhere in Ohio
• All services are free or low-cost for seniors 60+ and people with disabilities
• No income requirements for basic information and assistance services
• PASSPORT waiver program provides comprehensive home care services as alternative to nursing homes
• MyCare Ohio serves dual-eligible (Medicare and Medicaid) beneficiaries in 29 counties
• Strong emphasis on aging in place with extensive home and community-based services
• Consumer-directed options allow eligible individuals to choose and direct their own care
• Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides $50 in fresh produce benefits annually

What Are Area Agencies on Aging in Ohio?

Ohio operates a well-established aging services network through 12 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that collectively serve all 88 counties. Each AAA covers multiple counties, creating regional service areas that balance local knowledge with efficient resource allocation. These AAAs are designated by the Ohio Department of Aging and sometimes referred to as Planning and Service Areas (PSAs).

Ohio’s AAAs function as advocates, planners, and funders for aging services in their regions. They don’t typically provide direct services but instead work with networks of local providers to ensure comprehensive services reach older adults throughout their service areas. This model allows AAAs to focus on coordination, quality assurance, and strategic planning while leveraging local expertise and community connections.

Each AAA serves as the regional hub for aging and disability services, working with both public and private sectors to develop comprehensive systems of home and community-based long-term care. Ohio’s AAAs are part of a national network of 670 AAAs, but Ohio’s system is particularly notable for its innovation in managed care integration and consumer-directed services.

The Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a) serves as the collective voice for Ohio’s AAAs, providing advocacy, training, and coordination at the state level. This organization helps ensure consistency in service quality while allowing each AAA to adapt to the unique needs of their regional communities.

Ohio AAAs also play a crucial role in administering Ohio’s Medicaid waiver programs, including the PASSPORT waiver and MyCare Ohio, making them essential gateways to long-term care services for eligible residents.

Ohio’s 12 Area Agencies on Aging

Note: Contact information may change. Always verify current details by calling 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to your local AAA.

Core Services Provided by Ohio AAAs

Information and Assistance

Every AAA provides comprehensive information and assistance to help you navigate available services and understand your options. Trained staff can help with:

• Explanation of programs and services available in your region
• Long-term care planning and options counseling
• Eligibility requirements and application assistance for various programs
• Benefits counseling for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other programs
• Referrals to appropriate agencies and community resources
• Care transitions and discharge planning support
• Connection to local service providers

Information and assistance services are available to anyone who contacts an AAA, regardless of age, income, or eligibility for other programs.

Nutrition Programs

Ohio AAAs coordinate comprehensive nutrition programs designed to address food insecurity while promoting social engagement and health education.

Congregate Meals: Nutritious meals served at senior centers, community centers, religious institutions, and other gathering places throughout each service area. These programs provide more than nutrition – they offer opportunities for socialization, health screenings, recreation, and information about other services. Suggested donations are typically $3-6 for participants 60+, but no one is denied meals for inability to contribute.

Home-Delivered Meals: For seniors who are homebound or have difficulty accessing congregate meal sites, AAAs coordinate home-delivered meal programs. Volunteers and professional staff deliver hot, frozen, or shelf-stable meals directly to homes, typically 1-7 days per week depending on need and program capacity.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: Ohio provides eligible seniors with $50 annually in benefits to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey from local farmers. The 2025 program runs from May through November, and benefits can now be spent in dollars and cents rather than set amounts.

Specialized Nutrition Services: Many AAAs offer nutrition counseling, cooking demonstrations, diabetic-friendly options, and nutrition education programs.

Transportation Services

Transportation is essential for accessing healthcare, shopping, and social activities. Ohio AAAs address transportation needs through various programs:

Medical Transportation: Priority transportation for medical appointments, dialysis, therapy, and other health-related trips. Services may include van transportation, volunteer driver programs, and partnerships with ride services and public transit.

General Transportation: Scheduled transportation for essential activities like grocery shopping, banking, pharmacy visits, and social activities. Service frequency varies between urban and rural areas.

Regional Coordination: Many AAAs work together to provide transportation across county lines for specialized medical care or regional services.

Reality Check: Transportation availability varies significantly between Ohio’s urban areas (with extensive public transit) and rural counties (where services may be limited and require advance scheduling).

Legal Assistance

Ohio AAAs provide free legal assistance for seniors 60+ in civil matters that affect their health, safety, and economic well-being. Services include:

• Medicare and Medicaid problems and appeals
• Social Security benefit issues and disability claims
• Housing matters (landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosure prevention, housing discrimination)
• Consumer protection (scams, fraud, identity theft)
• Estate planning basics (wills, advance directives, powers of attorney)
• Family law issues affecting seniors (guardianship, elder abuse, grandparent rights)
• Public benefit applications and appeals
• Healthcare directives and end-of-life planning

Legal services are provided through partnerships with legal aid organizations, pro bono attorney programs, and law school clinics throughout Ohio.

Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP)

Ohio’s OSHIIP provides free, unbiased counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their options and resolve problems. Trained volunteer counselors provide:

• Medicare enrollment assistance and plan comparisons
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan guidance
• Medicare Part D prescription drug plan selection
• Medicare Advantage plan reviews and annual open enrollment help
• Appeals assistance for denied claims and coverage disputes
• Help understanding Medicare statements and bills
• Assistance with Medicare fraud reporting and prevention
• “Welcome to Medicare” series for new beneficiaries

OSHIIP counselors operate throughout Ohio and receive extensive training to provide completely objective advice with no financial interest in insurance sales.

Case Management and Care Coordination

For individuals with complex needs, Ohio AAAs provide case management services to help coordinate multiple services and navigate the healthcare system. Case managers:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments using standardized tools
• Develop individualized care plans with input from clients and families
• Connect individuals with appropriate services and benefits
• Monitor situations over time and adjust services as needs change
• Advocate on behalf of clients with service providers and agencies
• Coordinate with healthcare providers, family members, and informal caregivers
• Assist with care transitions between different levels of care
• Provide ongoing support and problem-solving

Family Caregiver Support

Ohio AAAs operate comprehensive Family Caregiver Support Programs under the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Services include:

Information and Education: Training workshops on caregiving techniques, stress management, understanding chronic conditions, navigating healthcare systems, and planning for the future.

Support Groups and Counseling: Peer support groups and individual counseling to help caregivers cope with the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of caregiving.

Respite Care: Temporary care services that give family caregivers breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. Options include in-home companions, adult day programs, and short-term residential care.

Supplemental Services: Limited funding for items and services not covered by other programs, such as assistive devices, home modifications, emergency response systems, or caregiver supplies.

Caregiver Training: Educational programs to help family caregivers provide better care while protecting their own health and well-being.

Ohio’s Medicaid Waiver Programs for Long-Term Care

Ohio offers several innovative Medicaid waiver programs that help eligible individuals receive comprehensive care at home instead of in nursing facilities.

PASSPORT Waiver (Pre-Admission Screening System Providing Options & Resources Today)

The PASSPORT waiver is Ohio’s primary home and community-based services program, providing comprehensive services for individuals who require nursing facility level of care but prefer to live in the community.

Services Include:

• Adult day health programs
• Home care attendant services
• Homemaker and personal care services
• Home-delivered meals
• Home modifications and assistive devices
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Personal emergency response systems
• Respite care for family caregivers
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Nutritional consultation
• Social work counseling
• Waiver nursing services

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be Ohio resident
• Must be age 60 or older (some exceptions for younger individuals with physical disabilities)
• Must be Medicaid eligible
• Must require nursing facility level of care as determined by Adult Comprehensive Assessment Tool (ACAT)
• Must be able to live safely in the community with waiver services
• Income limit: $2,901/month for individuals (2025)
• Asset limit: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples

Consumer Direction: PASSPORT offers consumer-directed options that allow participants to choose and direct their own care, including hiring family members as caregivers in some circumstances.

MyCare Ohio (Integrated Care Delivery System)

MyCare Ohio is a mandatory managed care program for dual-eligible individuals (those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid) in 29 Ohio counties.

Counties with MyCare Ohio: Butler, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Delaware, Franklin, Fulton, Geauga, Greene, Hamilton, Lake, Lorain, Lucas, Madison, Mahoning, Medina, Montgomery, Ottawa, Pickaway, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Union, Warren, Wayne, and Wood.

Services Include:

• All Medicare benefits (Parts A, B, and D)
• All Medicaid benefits
• Home and community-based services
• Adult day health programs
• Assisted living services
• Care coordination and case management
• Enhanced community living services
• Home modifications and assistive devices
• Transportation services

Key Features:

• Integrates Medicare and Medicaid benefits under one plan
• No enrollment caps or waiting lists
• Person-centered care planning
• Choice of managed care organizations

Assisted Living Waiver

This waiver assists individuals aged 21+ in living in residential care facilities and assisted living residences while receiving Medicaid-funded care services.

Services Include:

• Assisted living services in approved facilities
• Community transition services
• Personal care and health-related services
• Care coordination

Important Note: Room and board costs are not covered by the waiver – participants must pay these costs privately or through other funding sources.

Ohio Home Care Waiver

For individuals with physical disabilities who require nursing facility level of care but wish to remain in the community.

Services Include:

• Personal care services
• Homemaker services
• Adult day health programs
• Respite care
• Home modifications
• Assistive technology
• Transportation services

Special Population Services

Urban vs. Rural Considerations

Ohio’s AAAs serve diverse communities ranging from major metropolitan areas to rural farming communities:

Urban Services (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton):

• Extensive public transportation with senior discounts
• Multiple service provider options
• Specialized programs for diverse populations
• Comprehensive medical facilities and specialists
• Higher service capacity and frequency

Rural Services:

• Volunteer driver programs for long-distance medical trips
• Mobile service delivery to remote areas
• Partnerships with rural hospitals and clinics
• Agricultural community considerations
• Creative transportation solutions for sparse populations

Veterans and Military Families

Ohio has a significant veteran population, and AAAs coordinate with the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and VA Medical Centers:

Veteran-Specific Services:

• Assistance applying for VA benefits and healthcare
• Transportation to VA medical facilities throughout Ohio
• Help with VA pension and disability claims
• Connection to VA home and community-based services
• Support for military spouses and survivors

Key Resources:

• Ohio Department of Veterans Services: (614) 644-0898
• VA Medical Centers in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Chillicothe
• Community-Based Outpatient Clinics throughout Ohio
• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1)

Immigrant and Refugee Communities

Ohio has growing immigrant and refugee populations, particularly in urban areas. AAAs provide culturally competent services:

Language Support:

• Interpretation services available in multiple languages
• Bilingual staff in areas with large immigrant populations
• Translated materials for common languages
• Cultural competency training for AAA staff

Immigrant-Specific Considerations:

• Help understanding public benefit eligibility rules for immigrants
• Connection to culturally appropriate services
• Assistance with naturalization and citizenship applications
• Advocacy for immigrant rights and benefits

LGBTQ+ Seniors

Ohio AAAs provide inclusive services to LGBTQ+ seniors with growing recognition of their unique needs:

What to Expect:

• Non-discrimination policies in all AAA programs
• Staff training on LGBTQ+ cultural competency
• Some AAAs offer LGBTQ+-specific programming and support groups
• Partnerships with LGBTQ+ community organizations

Resources:

• SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline: 1-877-360-LGBT (5428)
• Local LGBTQ+ community centers in major Ohio cities
• Equality Ohio for advocacy and resources

Seniors with Disabilities

Ohio AAAs serve people with disabilities regardless of age, not just seniors:

Disability-Specific Services:

• Assistive technology assessments and training
• Home modifications for accessibility
• Independent living skills training
• Benefits counseling for disability programs
• Advocacy for disability rights and accommodations
• Connection to vocational rehabilitation services

Agricultural and Rural Communities

Ohio’s significant agricultural sector creates unique considerations:

Rural/Agricultural Adaptations:

• Seasonal service adjustments for farming families
• Understanding of agricultural income fluctuations
• Farm safety modifications and equipment
• Coordination with agricultural extension services
• Mobile service delivery to remote farming areas

How to Access Services

Step 1: Contact Your Local AAA

Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the AAA serving your county, or contact your local AAA directly using the contact information listed above.

Step 2: Initial Information Gathering and Screening

Trained staff will conduct an initial screening to understand:

• Your current situation and immediate needs
• What type of assistance you’re seeking
• Your location and any accessibility needs
• Basic demographic and insurance information
• Whether you need urgent assistance or ongoing services
• Family and caregiver situation

This conversation typically takes 15-25 minutes and helps staff determine the best way to assist you.

Step 3: Comprehensive Assessment (If Needed)

For ongoing services, waiver eligibility, or complex situations, you may need a comprehensive assessment. This assessment can be conducted:

• Over the phone for some services
• At the AAA office or community location
• In your home if you’re homebound or have mobility limitations
• At a healthcare facility if you’re hospitalized or in rehabilitation

Assessments may use standardized tools like the Adult Comprehensive Assessment Tool (ACAT) and evaluate your:

• Physical and cognitive abilities
• Safety and living situation
• Social support system and family involvement
• Financial resources and insurance coverage
• Service preferences and goals
• Current healthcare providers and medications

Step 4: Service Planning and Authorization

Based on your assessment, AAA staff will:

• Explain available services and programs in your area
• Assist with benefit applications (Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, etc.)
• Develop an individualized service plan with your input
• Make referrals to appropriate providers and agencies
• Help you choose providers when options are available
• Schedule ongoing services and follow-up appointments
• Coordinate with your healthcare team and family

Step 5: Ongoing Support and Care Coordination

Ohio AAAs provide continuing support through:

• Regular check-ins with case managers or care coordinators
• Annual reassessments for waiver program participants
• Assistance accessing new services as needs change
• Problem-solving and advocacy when issues arise with providers
• Care plan updates and service adjustments
• Support during care transitions (hospital to home, etc.)
• Coordination with managed care plans (for MyCare Ohio participants)

Costs and Financial Assistance

Free Services

These services are available at no cost to participants:

• Information and assistance through AAAs
• OSHIIP counseling and Medicare assistance
• Legal consultations and basic legal services
• Case management and care coordination
• Family caregiver support and education
• Adult protective services and elder abuse assistance

Low-Cost Services with Suggested Donations

These services typically have suggested donations but participants cannot be denied for inability to pay:

• Congregate meals ($3-6 suggested donation)
• Home-delivered meals ($4-8 suggested donation per meal)
• Transportation services ($2-6 suggested donation per trip)
• Some personal care services (sliding scale)

Income-Based Services

Some services use sliding fee scales based on income:

• In-home personal care services (private pay)
• Adult day programs
• Respite care services
• Home modifications and assistive devices

Insurance and Medicaid Coverage

Many services can be covered through:

• Medicaid waiver programs (PASSPORT, MyCare Ohio, Assisted Living Waiver)
• Medicare (for medically necessary services)
• Medicare Advantage plans with additional benefits
• Private insurance plans
• Veterans benefits through VA
• Other federal and state programs

Financial Reality: While many basic services are free, intensive services like personal care may have waiting periods in some areas. Ohio’s waiver programs generally don’t have statewide waiting lists, but service availability can vary by geographic area and provider capacity.

Quality Assurance and Your Rights

Program Standards

All Ohio AAAs must meet federal and state standards for:

• Staff qualifications and ongoing training requirements
• Service quality and safety protocols
• Financial management and accountability
• Non-discrimination and civil rights compliance
• Confidentiality and privacy protections
• Cultural competency and language access
• Emergency preparedness and response

Oversight and Monitoring

Ohio AAAs are monitored by:

• Ohio Department of Aging
• Federal Administration for Community Living
• Independent auditors and quality assurance teams
• Consumer advisory councils and stakeholder groups
• Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a)

Complaint Process

If you have concerns about AAA services:

1. Talk to your service provider first – Many issues can be resolved quickly at the direct service level
2. Contact your AAA supervisor or director – Each AAA has procedures for handling complaints
3. File a complaint with the Ohio Department of Aging – Contact (614) 466-5500 for state-level review
4. Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Call 1-866-243-5678 for nursing home and assisted living complaints
5. File with state agencies – Ohio Department of Medicaid handles serious violations of waiver programs

Your Rights as a Service Recipient

You have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity
• Receive services without discrimination
• Have your personal information kept confidential
• Participate in decisions about your care and services
• Be informed about available services and eligibility requirements
• File complaints without fear of retaliation
• Receive services that meet professional standards
• Access interpretation services when needed
• Choose your own service providers when options are available

Regional Service Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does Ohio’s 12-AAA system benefit residents compared to states with more or fewer AAAs?

Ohio’s 12-AAA structure balances local knowledge with regional efficiency. Unlike states with many small AAAs, Ohio’s larger regions allow for better resource pooling and consistent service standards. Unlike states with very few AAAs, Ohio maintains strong local connections and understanding of community needs. This structure enables effective coordination while maintaining responsiveness to local conditions.

What’s the difference between PASSPORT and MyCare Ohio?

PASSPORT is Ohio’s traditional Medicaid waiver for seniors needing nursing home-level care who want to stay home. MyCare Ohio serves dual-eligible individuals (those with both Medicare and Medicaid) in 29 counties, integrating all benefits under managed care. If you’re dual-eligible in a MyCare county, you must enroll in MyCare instead of PASSPORT, but you’ll receive similar services with better coordination.

Can family members be paid to provide care in Ohio’s waiver programs?

Yes, through consumer-directed options in PASSPORT and other waiver programs, eligible family members can be hired as caregivers after completing required training. This allows families to formalize caregiving relationships while ensuring quality standards. Case managers help families understand requirements and facilitate the hiring process.

How does the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program work?

Eligible Ohio seniors receive $50 annually in benefits to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey from participating farmers markets and farm stands. In 2025, benefits can be spent in dollars and cents rather than fixed amounts. Applications open in spring, benefits are available May-November, and the program serves over 22,000 older adults statewide.

What happens if I move between Ohio counties served by different AAAs?

Services don’t automatically transfer when you move between AAA regions, but Ohio’s AAAs work closely together to facilitate transitions. Contact your new AAA, and they can coordinate with your previous AAA to share assessment information and expedite service restart. The statewide 1-866-243-5678 number will connect you to the right AAA regardless of where you move.

Are there waiting lists for Ohio’s waiver programs?

Ohio generally doesn’t maintain statewide waiting lists for its waiver programs, including PASSPORT and MyCare Ohio. However, service availability can vary by geographic area and provider capacity. Some specific services or providers may have waiting periods, but AAAs work to connect you with available alternatives.

How do Ohio AAAs coordinate with managed care plans?

Many Ohio AAAs partner directly with managed care plans (Aetna, Buckeye, CareSource) to coordinate care for members receiving Medicaid and/or Medicare benefits. AAA care managers help connect members with services like home care, adult day programs, and meal delivery while ensuring smooth coordination between healthcare and social services.

What if I need services but live in a rural Ohio county?

Rural Ohio residents have access to the same core services as urban residents, though delivery methods may differ. AAAs use mobile service teams, volunteer driver programs, telehealth options, and regional coordination to reach rural communities. While you may have fewer provider choices and longer travel times, services are available throughout Ohio.

How does Ohio’s opioid initiative affect older adults?

Ohio AAAs have pioneered innovative approaches to address opioid addiction among older adults, recognizing this growing problem. The Area Office on Aging, Lucas County Sheriff, and Bowling Green State University created the nation’s first partnership specifically targeting older adult opioid addiction, serving as a model for other communities.

What support is available for grandparents raising grandchildren?

Ohio AAAs provide specialized support for grandparents and other relatives raising children through kinship care programs. Services include support groups, legal assistance, benefits counseling, respite care, and connection to child-specific resources. AAAs work with child welfare agencies to ensure comprehensive family support.

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Disclaimer

Program details, contact information, and services can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information as of January 2026, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with your local Area Agency on Aging or the Ohio Department of Aging before making decisions or applying for services.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

For the most current information, contact:

• Ohio AAA Statewide Line: 1-866-243-5678
• Ohio Department of Aging: (614) 466-5500
• Your local Area Agency on Aging

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About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking grant opportunities.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (HHS, ACL, CMS), Ohio state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough online verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Information Currency:
• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: April 2026

Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.

Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying.

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This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available financial assistance programs.