Ohio Medicaid - A Guide to Medicaid in Ohio

Medicaid is the largest health and long-term care program in Ohio. It combines funds from both the federal and state levels to help purchase health care coverage for low income and medically vulnerable people. Medicaid combines an insurance program for children, parents, pregnant women, elderly people, and disabled people who meet low income requirements, a program of chronic and long term care for disable and elderly people, and a source of funding for uncompensated care in hospitals. The program was created by Congress in 1965, and implemented by Ohio in 1968. Each state has its own standards for Medicaid, although the federal level monitors these programs and establishes requirements for service delivery, quality, funding, and eligibility standards.

In Ohio, the Medicaid program is administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Medicaid accounts for 3% of the Ohio economy and 26% of state government spending in total. It is growing more quickly than many other programs in the state and has received a lot of attention when budget cuts come around. To qualify for Medicaid in Ohio, a person must be a US citizen or meet Medicaid citizenship requirements. It is also necessary to be a resident of Ohio, to have or get a social security number, and to meet financial requirements. For children of low income families, the total income must be less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, around $10,000 per year for a single person in 2007. Pregnant women in Ohio must make less than 150% of the FPL, and families must make less than 90% of the FPL. Ohioans 65 or older, or people with disabilities must make less than 64% of this level unless they are in a category where special exemptions apply. People with higher incomes may be allowed to deducted medical expenses from their income calculations in order to spend down to this level. Determination of eligibility for Ohio Medicaid is performed at the county job and family services office.

In addition to these requirements, people applying for Medicaid must fall into certain categories to qualify. Children may be covered up to age 19, as well as pregnant women, families with children below the age of 18, adults aged 65 and over, and people who are blind or suffer from other disabilities. Certain women who have been screened for breast and cervical cancer may also receive Medicaid benefits under the CDCP's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. All of these categories require that citizenship and income qualifications have already been met. Benefits are not supplied for anyone outside of these categories. If you are an Ohio resident and you believe that you might qualify for Medicaid, contact your local office to be sure. Many people do not realize that they can receive Medicaid benefits and struggle to pay their medical bills without assistance. Taking advantage of your rightful Medicaid benefits could help you get the medical assistance you need.

 

		Site Map - About Us - Contact Us - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy

Copyright © InsuranceAdvisoryService.com. All Rights Reserved.