June 30, 2020
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The
Ohio Departments of Aging and Medicaid have introduced two measures to keep
seniors connected to loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective July 1,
the state can begin reimbursing nursing facilities across the state for the
purchase of tablets and other online communications devices for residents to
use to communicate with family and friends. Ohio Medicaid also eased rules that
afford loved ones the opportunity to provide and be reimbursed for support
services for seniors residing in home and community-based settings, thereby
minimizing risk of external exposure to the virus.
Since March 13,
access to nursing facilities has been restricted with no visitors of residents
admitted except for in end-of-life situations. These measures have been implemented
to help protect residents from the spread of COVID-19. To help nursing facility
residents stay connected with their loved ones during this time, facilities may
purchase one device per seven to 10 residents, with a maximum of $3,000 allowed
per facility. Funding for the devices comes from nursing facility civil money
penalty funds.
“Measures to
protect seniors and others living in nursing homes are absolutely necessary,
yet we know that prolonged isolation from friends and family members can take a
toll.” said Ursel J. McElroy, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. “Ohio’s
nursing homes have been creative in finding ways to help residents feel
connected. We are excited to offer them these additional resources to continue
to make those connections possible.”
“Technology is
invaluable in closing the isolation gap that affects so much of the senior
population at this time,” said Tom Cunningham, administrator of Continental
Manor in Clinton County. “Residents miss their families. During these days of extended
sequestration, it is good for them to see faces and hear voices of their loved
ones.”
Governor DeWine
announced on June 29, 2020, that nursing homes are permitted to begin outdoor
visitation on July 20, 2020, provided all safety standards are met. Facilities
are encouraged to maintain, add, or enhance virtual visitation options even as
they allow outdoor visits. Technology purchased with these funds will support
that recommendation.
Individuals and
families can get free assistance from a long-term care ombudsman with questions
or concerns about the care they receive from a nursing home. Call
1-800-282-1206 or visit www.ombudsman.ohio.gov to
learn more.
In addition to
funding for devices in nursing facilities, Ohio Medicaid sought and received
authorization from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that ease the
restrictions on family members being providers in the state’s PASSPORT program.
PASSPORT is a Medicaid waiver program designed to help individuals who may
otherwise need a nursing facility stay in their home with wraparound supports.
“In an effort
to keep seniors at home and safe from contracting COVID-19, Ohio Medicaid
sought federal approval to waive the prohibition on family members being
reimbursed for serving as a direct care worker,” said Maureen Corcoran,
director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid. “Prior to getting this permission,
persons legally responsible for a senior were not allowed to serve as a direct
care worker of provide waiver services.”
The Ohio
departments of Aging and Medicaid continue to collaborate on other initiatives
to protect seniors from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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