In last month’s article, we discussed the Front Door and our Resource Center staff who help answer questions for callers by determining needs and what resources are available and most appropriate to help.
For part three of our series, I would like to focus on case management services the AAA7 offers.
First, what is case management?
Case management, sometimes called care coordination or care management, refers to a coordination of services that help achieve an individual’s goals.
Case managers are typically nurses or social workers who assess what the consumer’s needs are, identify ways to meet those needs, coordinate services, and monitor for effectiveness.
These needs can range from personal care, nutrition, transportation, nursing care, assistance with utilities, and home modifications just to name a few.
Case managers are essential in each of our Medicaid programs outlined below:
• Pre-Admission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today (PASSPORT) is a Medicaid-funded program that provides in-home services as an alternative to nursing facility placement for individuals over the age of 60. Services include personal care, homemaking, home‐delivered meals, personal emergency response systems, non-medical transportation, adult day services, medical equipment/supplies, and other services as needed. Services can be provided through a PASSPORT-certified Agency, independent provider, or through the Participant-Directed option that allows individuals to direct their own care and employ caregivers.
Think you’re not eligible? Eligibility guidelines for PASSPORT are higher than traditional Medicaid programs and we encourage those who may be interested to contact us to learn more.
• Assisted Living Waiver is Medicaid-funded assistance with placement for those age 21 and over who are eligible for Medicaid long-term care services. Consumers receive a private room with bathing facilities, assistance with daily tasks and medication, and nursing care as needed.
• Ohio Home Care Waiver (OHCW) is a partnership with CareSource. Coverage for this program through the AAA7 extends to Athens, Clermont, Hamilton, Hocking and Meigs Counties, in addition to our 10 core counties of Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike Ross, Scioto and Vinton. Case Management is provided to individuals age 59 and under who meet a nursing facility level of care. Like PASSPORT, the OHCW program provides an opportunity for individuals to receive services in the comfort of their own home.
• Specialized Recovery Services is a partnership with CareSource covering the same additional counties as the OHCW. This program provides Medicaid eligibility and recovery management (similar to care management) for adults age 21 and older with severe and persistent mental illness or certain chronic conditions. Services support those provided by mental health professionals and transplant or cancer centers to promote recovery and enable safe community living.
To find out more about these programs or to see if you qualify, contact the AAA7 at 1-800-582-7277 or email info@aaa7.org.

Jamie Herrmann is the executive director of the Area Agency on Aging District 7 which serves seniors in 11 counties.