Ohio Medicaid Questions

Medicaid is a United States health care program designed for low-income families and individuals. Medicaid is funded by both the states and by the federal government, but the states manage the program. Ohio's Medicaid is administered by the Department of Job and Family Services. Not everyone qualifies for Medicaid, however. In Ohio, most participants fall into certain age categories or have specific health conditions.

Can I Enroll?

• If you are aged 65 or older, disabled, a child under the age of 19 or pregnant, you may qualify for Medicaid. Women who have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer or who are determined to be pre-cancerous may also qualify for the program. Ohio also offers limited medical assistance to legal aliens and to refugees who are new to the U.S.

What are the Income Limits?

• Even if you fall into one of the qualifying categories, you will still need to meet certain income restrictions. Families with children under the age of 19 cannot make more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level and still qualify, or 90 percent of the FPL if you want to qualify for the Healthy Families program. Although it is technically not part of Medicaid, refugees seeking help from the state refugee medical assistance program cannot earn more than 100 percent of the federal poverty level. Older adults and people with disabilities cannot make more than 64 percent of the FPL.

Where Do I Apply?

• Application forms for all of Ohio's Medicaid programs are available at the Department of Job and Family Services website. After you have completed the proper application form, you will need to send both it and copies of your proof of income, citizenship, legal alien status, age, disability or pregnancy to your local county Job and Family Services office.

What are the Benefits?

• Once you are approved for Medicaid, you can start receiving medical care from any health provider who accepts it. Nursing facility care, doctor's visits, ambulance transportation, dental, vision, home health, occupational, and physical therapy and family planning services are all covered by Medicaid. You may have to receive authorization from Ohio Medicaid before getting some kinds of treatment, however.

How Much Will I Have to Pay?

• There are no monthly premiums for Medicaid. But many kinds of services come with copayments that you will be responsible for. Common copays are $2 per prescription or refill for name-brand medication, $1 per fitting for eyeglasses, $2 for eye exams, $3 per visit for dental services and $3 per visit for non-emergency care received at an emergency room.