Free Health Insurance? Tell Me More.

Date: 11/02/20

Health insurance can be expensive. But, for those who qualify financially, Medicaid has you covered. During the COVID-19 pandemic many Ohioans have lost their jobs and may be eligible for Medicaid but do not know it. Not sure what Medicaid is? As your guide to better health, Buckeye Health Plan is here to help.

Here are answers questions to frequently asked questions about Medicaid:

What is Medicaid?

Ohio Medicaid is income-based health insurance that covers:

Individuals
Pregnant women
Infants and children
And, those who have disabilities

Learn about Medicaid by watching this video.

How do you qualify?

Your income must be at or below certain monthly financial requirements to qualify. Use this chart to determine if you are eligible based on your financial situation:

Monthly Income Eligibility Chart
Family Size	1	2	3	4	5	6
Parents/Caretakers	$957	$1,293	$1,629	$1,965	$2,301	$2,637
Adults (Age 19-64)	$1,415	$1,911	$2,408	$2,904	$3,401	$3,897
Children with Insurance	$1,659	$2,242	$2,824	$3,406	$3,989	$4,571
Pregnant Women	$2,127	$2,874	$3,620	$4,367	$5,114	$5,860
Children without Insurance	$2,191	$2,960	$3,729	$4,498	$5,267	$6,063

*Based on a 40-hour week. This table is updated each year. You can view current information on Ohio Medicaid's website (PDF).

If you are over 65 years old, blind or have another disability, find out if you are income qualified by viewing Ohio Medicaid's eligibility table (PDF).

To be eligible for coverage, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen or meet Medicaid citizenship requirements
Have or can get a Social Security number (PDF)
Be an Ohio resident
Meet financial requirements

The chart is based on a 40-hour work week and is updated each year. Click HERE for the most current information.

If you are over 65 years old, blind or have another disability, find out if you are income qualified by clicking HERE.

To be eligible for Medicaid you must also:

Be a U.S. citizen or meet Medicaid citizenship requirements
Have or get a Social Security number
Be an Ohio resident

What does Medicaid cover?

Medicaid services and benefits include:

Medical care, including hospital, urgent and preventative care
Behavioral health
Dental and vision care
Prescription drug coverage
Alcohol and drug addiction screening, assessment, intervention and treatment
Pregnancy and family planning support
Medical equipment
Transportation
And, more^¹

How do I apply for Medicaid?

Applying for Medicaid is easy. You can apply any of three ways:

Visiting www.benefits.ohio.gov — this is the fastest way!
Calling the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline at 1-800-324-8680.
Visiting your County Department of Job and Family Services office in-person.

You can apply for Medicaid coverage at any time as long as you meet eligibility requirements.

Have questions about your healthcare coverage? Visit BuckeyeHealthPlan.com or call 866-246-4358 to learn more.

The Ohio Department of Medicaid provides additional information.

References:

^¹ https://medicaid.ohio.gov/FOR-OHIOANS/Covered-Services#1683586-alcohol-and-drug-addiction