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Ohio
How do I get services that are right for me or my family?
With participant direction, you have the right to live the life you choose—right in your own home and community, no matter your age or ability.
Everyone’s situation is different. For some, participant direction means the ability to receive services and support from a loved one. For others, it’s supporting parents so that they can care for children with disabilities. Or, it may simply be that as you get older you want to continue living where you choose and get care from someone you trust. No matter your situation, participant direction helps you choose the services that are right for you.
With participant direction, you make all the important choices—like who to hire, when to schedule support, and how to manage your care. We take care of the paperwork and are here to answer any questions you may have.
GT Independence works with these waiver services in Ohio:
Find Self-Directed Services in DODD Waivers
Find Self-Directed Services in a PACE Program
You deserve to live the life you choose. GT is here to make that easier.
How GT Independence Can Help You
GT Independence is a financial management service (FMS) company that helps you live a life of your choosing. You decide what kind of services and support you want; we handle the details. For example, you hire employees (also known as providers or caregivers) you know and trust. We assist you by taking care of all the necessary paperwork, such as timesheets, paychecks, taxes, and insurance.
At GT, we believe everyone should be able to decide where to live and who provides their care. Through participant direction, they can. Each person has a unique situation and personalized needs. GT is here to help you learn about how participant-direction works in Ohio, so you have the information to decide what is best for you.
Learn What Participant Direction Means
Understand Your Long-Term Care Options
Why GT?
“With participant-direction, I am in charge of my son’s caregiving, with the most authority over his care. We hire our own staff through participant-direction and GT Independence because we have the choice and know who is best for our loved one.”
Mom of Person Served
Learn More about Self-Directed Services on Ohio DODD Waivers
Self-Empowered Life Funding (SELF)
With the SELF waiver, you can choose to direct your own care. This includes deciding who provides your services—you can even hire friends and family. You also have authority over your budget. This means you get to choose what services to spend your budget on.
Individual Options (IO)
With the IO waiver, you get a comprehensive choice of many different services. This can be helpful if you need a lot of support. With IO, you can choose the services that fit best with your needs and life. You can also hire people you trust to provide your support—even friends and family.
Level One (L1)
With the L1 waiver, you get to choose different services that best meet your needs. Many of these services rely on natural support (people such as friends, family, or co-workers who can help out without getting paid). This waiver can be a good choice if you only need a small amount of support.
Learn More about Self-Directed Services in PACE Programs
Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Get the support you need right in your home and community. With this program, you can hire your own caregivers, such as people you love and trust. Your caregivers can help you with tasks, such as transportation, self-care, and more.
Helpful Forms and Resources for Ohio
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Helpful Forms for Ohio
View select forms on the Ohio forms page. To view all forms, sign into your portal account and visit the resources tab.
Don’t have access to a portal account? Get in Touch
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Helpful Resources and Flyers for Ohio
See a comprensive list of resources and flyers relevent to Ohio.
Your GT Support Team in Ohio

Paul Sheffield
Director of Operations
Ohio Customer Support
Call: 877.659.4500
Email: customerservice@gtsd.org
