Did you know you can participate in public comment on policy issues in Ohio that affect you? Our state has a public notices page through Ohio Department of Medicaid where they post waiver amendment updates for anyone who wants to participate in public comment on changes to important policies that make or shape our systems of care.

People can also sign up for emails that alert them of proposed legislation or public comment opportunities.

This is an example of what an email looks like when it comes from the public notices alerts. It tells you what the amendment is and how long the comment period is for. It will link you directly to the landing page of the notice where documents are located on amendment changes. When you go there it will tell you how to participate and submit public comment.

Proposed Amendment to the PASSPORT HCBS Waiver Program

Greetings, 

The Ohio Department of Medicaid’s Home and Community-Based Services Policy Section is seeking public comment on proposed amendments to the PASSPORT Waiver.  Prior to submission to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), a 30-day public comment period is open and will run November 6, 2025 through December 5, 2025. 

Thank you in advance for your review. ODM looks forward to reviewing your feedback on the proposed amendments. 

Detailed documents may be found on our Public Notices page. 

Once you click links above it will take you to public notices page. There you click on the passport waiver amendment. it takes you to the official notice.

Please note that many of documents linked to the site may or may not be accessible to people who are low Vision or visually impaired. It is important to know to request an accommodation. This is link to all the State Department ADA Coordinators. Send an email to waiver feedback email asking for an accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and include the AdA person for that department on the email. These policies can be available in alternative formats. It is important to speak up for your needs when you do public comment on.

Public Notice and Request for Comment

Pursuant to the provision of title 42 Sections 441.301 and 441.304 of the Code of Federal Regulations, public notices are required for any of the following: new 1915(c) waiver, new 1915(i) state plan amendment, renewal of a 1915(c) waiver, and any amendment to a 1915(c) waiver that includes one or more substantive changes.

Public Notice: PASSPORT Waiver Amendment

Post DateNovember 6, 2025End DateDecember 5, 2025Purpose

Pursuant to 42 CFR 441.301 and 441.304, the director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid (department) gives notice of the department’s intent to amend the HCBS waiver programs. 

Changes are being proposed to the PASSPORT waiver programs, as a result of the above, to be effective March 1, 2026.  Initiative/AmendmentPASSPORT Waiver Amendments.SummarySummaryDetailDetail

Comments must be submitted by midnight of the comment period end date using one of the following options: 

• E-mail: Waiverfeedback@age.ohio.gov
   
• Written comments sent to:
  Attn: PASSPORT Waiver Amendment
  Ohio Department of Aging – Division for Community Living
  30 E Broad St, 22nd Floor
  Columbus, OH 43215
   
• FAX:(614) 466-5741 (Please include Attn: PASSPORT Waiver Amendmentin the subject line)
   
• Call toll-free to leave a voicemail message 1 (855) 926-0994
   
• Courier or in-person submission to:
  Attn: PASSPORT Waiver Amendment
  Ohio Department of Aging – Division for Community Living
  30 E Broad St, 22nd Floor
  Columbus OH 43215

This is just one example of current opportunity to engage in public comment. Please participate if you can and share this with others. Sign up for alerts in your inbox to stay active in policy discussions and public comment opportunities in Ohio.