12/04/2025

State Officials Reviewing Personal Needs Allowance Gap for Assisted Living Residents

LeadingAge Ohio, together with the Ohio Health Care Association and the Ohio Assisted Living Association, recently engaged the Governor’s office regarding the Personal Needs Allowance increase enacted through the state operating budget, House Bill 96. While the increase is intended to support individuals with limited income, it appears to exclude residents of assisted living communities. This omission has raised immediate concerns for providers who support individuals relying on Medicaid’s assisted living benefit.

On November 19, LeadingAge Ohio met with Aaron Mabe, who leads health policy work within Governor DeWine’s office. Mabe shared that the administration is aware of the issue and has been in dialogue with Ohio Department of Aging Director Ursel McElroy. He noted that discussions had paused while broader budget implementation activities were under way, but the matter remains on the administration’s agenda.

The conversation was constructive, with Mabe indicating that state officials plan to confer with both the Ohio Department of Aging and the Ohio Department of Medicaid to identify a path toward possible resolution. He emphasized that the administration would reconnect with the associations as next steps take shape.

LeadingAge Ohio will continue to monitor these discussions closely and will keep members informed as the administration clarifies how the Personal Needs Allowance applies to assisted living residents and whether legislative or administrative action will be required to ensure equitable treatment across care settings.

For questions, please contact Eli Faes at efaes@leadingageohio.org.