You Asked: Can a patient receiving PASSPORT nursing and/or aide services continue those services after electing hospice?
We Answered: Yes, but the services must be coordinated, clearly defined and not duplicative.
Ohio Medicaid allows hospice and home and community based services (HCBS) waivers, including PASSPORT, to operate concurrently. PASSPORT includes both waiver nursing and personal care services, which may continue when appropriate under the individual's approved service plan.
However, hospice remains responsible for providing nursing, hospice aide and other services required under the hospice plan of care. Waiver services cannot duplicate or replace services that are the hospice's responsibility.
Why it matters
This distinction is particularly important for nursing and aide services because responsibilities can overlap. Simply having PASSPORT services approved before hospice election does not mean those services should automatically continue unchanged.
What to do
Under Ohio Administrative Code 5160-56-04(K), the hospice and waiver case manager are expected to coordinate services, and the waiver administrative agency or its designee reviews and approves the comprehensive plan for concurrent care.
Bottom line: Hospice election does not automatically end PASSPORT nursing or aide services. Both may continue when services are appropriately coordinated, approved and clearly distinguished from the hospice's responsibilities.