Medicaid Help

Ohio Medicaid is here to help Ohioans in times of need. Learn about various types of Medicaid eligibility, how to enroll, healthcare services covered by Medicaid in Ohio, and other programs to strengthen your health and well being. If you have questions along the way, our Advice Line is here to help.

Older adult woman looks at Medicaid help on her computer with a caregiver

Information and Help with Medicaid in Southeast Ohio

Ohio Medicaid programs help individuals like you to take an active role in your health care. Whether you’re a Veteran, a newly pregnant mother, a senior citizen in need of daily support, or someone with a disability, here you willll find information about the services and programs available.

Program Details & Requirements

The following individuals may qualify for Medicaid coverage in Ohio:

  • Be a United States citizen or meet Medicaid non-citizen requirements
  • Individuals with low-income
  • Pregnant women, infants, and children
  • Older adults
  • Individuals with disabilities

 To be eligible for coverage, you must:

Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible for Alien Emergency Medical Assistance or Refugee Medical Assistance.

Step 1

There are lots of ways you can apply or renew. First, research your options. Which Ohio Medicaid program would you like? Then start the application process. You can apply or renew online, in person, by mail, or on the phone.

Step 2

Read the application carefully. Attach copies of your proof of income, resources (such as cash, savings, checking, real property, stocks, bonds, etc.), proof of citizenship or alien status, pregnancy if applicable, and other insurance you may have.

If you are applying because you are age 65 or older or disabled, you will need to provide proof of your age or disability.

Step 3

Sign and date the application and send the application and any additional materials to your local county Job and Family Services office. You may mail, fax or drop off the application. You may also have an authorized representative apply/renew on your behalf.

An authorized representative is an individual, age 18 or older, who stands in your place. You must provide a written statement naming the authorized representative and the duties the authorized representative may perform on your behalf. All notices and correspondence issued by Medicaid must be issued to both you and the authorized representative.

Step 4

Along with your application, you have an opportunity to register to vote or change your address. Please complete the Voter Registration Form and submit it with your application. We will submit your form to the local Board of Elections. If you need assistance completing this form, please ask for help at your local county Job and Family Services office. Completing the voter registration form is optional and is not required to apply for any public assistance program.

Go to the Online Application

Voter Registration

Your Medicaid benefits will need to be renewed annually. You will be notified when it is time to renew.

Step 1

Just like the application process, you can apply/renew online, in person, by mail, or on the phone.

  • To renew online, click here or keep reading and we will walk you through the steps in the next few pages.
  • You can renew in person or by mail by completing the renewal packet which was mailed to you, completing it and returning it to your local county Job and Family Services office.
  • You can renew by phone by calling the Consumer Hotline

Step 2

Read the renewal form carefully. If renewing by mail or online, attach or download copies of your proof of income, resources (such as cash, savings, checking, real property, stocks, bonds, etc.), proof of citizenship or alien status, pregnancy if applicable, and other insurance you may have. Be sure to include documentation of any changes you need to report or indicate the changes on the renewal form. If you renew by phone, the local county Job and Family Services office may contact you for additional information.

Step 3

Sign and date the renewal form and send the form and any additional materials to your local county Job and Family Services office. You may mail, fax or drop off the renewal form. You may also have an authorized representative renew on your behalf.

An authorized representative is an individual, age 18 or older, who stands in your place. You must provide a written statement naming the authorized representative and the duties the authorized representative may perform on your behalf. All notices and correspondence issued by Medicaid must be issued to both you and the authorized representative.

Step 4

Along with your application, you have an opportunity to register to vote or change your address. Please complete the Voter Registration Form and submit it with your application. We will submit your form to the local Board of Elections. If you need assistance completing this form, please ask for help at your local county Job and Family Services office. Completing the voter registration form is optional and is not required to apply for any public assistance program.

Go to the Online Application

Voter Registration

Step 1: Case Review

After you apply, you may get a letter asking for more information. If you need help getting the information, you should ask your case worker with the county department of job and family services. After the county office has all of the information needed to review your case, the eligibility determination process will begin.

Step 2: Approval

If your application for Medicaid is approved, you are automatically enrolled in either Fee-For-Service coverage; most people will be enrolled in managed care. You will get a letter with your Medicaid ID or your managed care ID card and can start using services right away.

Ohio Medicaid has a statewide network of providers including hospitals, family practice doctors, pharmacies and durable medical equipment companies. Always ask a provider if they accept Medicaid before you schedule an appointment. If you need help locating a provider who accepts your health coverage, please contact the Medicaid Consumer Hotline at 1-800-324-8680 or visit www.ohiomh.com or contact your managed care organization’s Member Services Hotline or plan website.

Individuals who remain on Fee-for-Service will receive a new card every month. Managed care members will receive one ID card, but can obtain a replacement by contacting the plan.

Step 3: Managed Care

In Ohio, most individuals who have Medicaid must join a managed care plan to receive their health care. Shortly after you are approved for Medicaid you will get a letter asking you to pick a plan. Below are the links to the five managed care plans for more information. You can also compare the plans by viewing the Managed Care Plans Report Card.  Individuals who do not choose a managed care plan will be automatically enrolled in one to receive coverage.

The best way to enroll in managed care is online with the Consumer Hotline. A helpful way to enroll in managed care is online through the Consumer Hotline . With help from the Consumer Hotline, you can compare plans additional benefits and view plans’ provider networks. You may want to consider: what services you might need, which health plan is accepted by the doctors you use, which plan was found to meet the highest quality for your health care needs, and which extra benefits are most beneficial to you.

Managed Care works like regular private health insurance. Some services may require prior approval before you can receive them, or there may be limits for the number of services you can receive. Your MCO is available to answer your questions about coverage and help you find providers. You can file a grievance with your MCO, if you are dissatisfied with the MCOs services. You can also request an appeal from your MCO, in the event your pre-services request is denied. Contact your MCO Member Services Department for assistance.

Keep this card for as long as you are on the plan. Your plan will also send information about the doctors, providers, health services and benefits that are available to you.

Step 4: Renewals and Changes

Individuals covered by Medicaid should be aware that they will have to complete a renewal every 12 months to have their eligibility redetermined. Individuals that experience a change affecting their eligibility within that 12 month period must notify their case worker within 10 days of the change. 

Go to the Online Application

Voter Registration

Advice Line

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