Paul Sanchez
If you are a resident of Ohio, you may be eligible for free or low-cost health coverage through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs are designed to provide healthcare coverage for low-income individuals, families, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Additionally, some hospitals in Ohio offer charity care and medical financial assistance for patients with limited or no resources and inadequate medical insurance coverage. Eligibility for these programs is generally determined by family size and income.
How to Get Free Medical Insurance in Ohio
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible? | Individuals with low income, pregnant women, infants and children, older adults, individuals with disabilities, individuals who have lost their jobs |
| How to apply? | Online using the Ohio Benefits Portal, by calling the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline (1-800-324-8680), by visiting your local Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) office in person |
| Additional help | Buckeye Health Plan, Get Covered Ohio, CareSource |
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What You'll Learn
Buckeye Health Plan
Buckeye's Health Tip Library provides educational materials on health benefit topics like asthma, diabetes, and heart health. Buckeye also offers a Find a Provider Tool to help members locate primary care providers, hospitals, and pharmacies. Buckeye is committed to helping its members improve their health and well-being, including providing support for social needs that can impact overall health.
The Ambetter Health mobile app allows Buckeye Health Plan members to conveniently manage their healthcare anytime, anywhere. Members can access their Online Member Account via the app, allowing them to check their coverage, view claims, search for in-network care, and more. The app also features a digital Member ID Card that can be easily shared or saved to a digital wallet.
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Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP)
The Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) is a joint effort between the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Buckeye Health Plan's MyCare Ohio is a health plan that contracts with both Medicare and Ohio Medicaid to provide enrollees with the benefits of both programs.
MyCare Ohio is the managed care program for Ohioans who receive both Medicaid and Medicare benefits. It provides a personalized approach to support the healthcare needs of its enrollees. Buckeye Health Plan is a care coordination plan contracted with the Ohio Department of Medicaid to serve Medicaid program members. Buckeye has developed the expertise to work with Medicaid members to improve their health status and quality of life.
Those who meet the rules to join Buckeye's MMP can get benefits from a single health plan. For those who qualify for Buckeye's Ohio Medicaid plan, the following benefits are provided: inpatient hospital, rehabilitation, and nursing facility stays; home health, DME, physician services, routine vision, dental, and hearing services. Some Buckeye members get services through managed care plans or fee-for-service Ohio Medicaid.
Regular traditional Ohio Medicaid also covers behavioral health services from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Buckeye's Medicare-Medicaid Plan will offer these benefits in addition to traditional Ohio Medicaid covered services. For Buckeye members who joined in the plan for Medicare, they will get the following benefits: Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays of two nights or more, with a half room, food, and tests. There is also coverage for a skilled nursing home, hospice, and home health if certain conditions are met. Part B (Medical Insurance) covers defined services and items not covered by Part A, generally on an outpatient basis. Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) allows a person to select a private managed care organization, such as Buckeye, to take care of their healthcare benefits.
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Medicaid eligibility
Medicaid is a health care program for low-income individuals and families. It provides healthcare benefits and long-term services to eligible individuals. In Ohio, persons who are found eligible for SSI are automatically approved for Medicaid. Buckeye Health Plan is a care coordination plan contracted with the Ohio Department of Medicaid to serve Medicaid program members.
There are three categories of Medicaid long-term care programs for which Ohio residents may be eligible:
- Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid: An entitlement; anyone who is eligible will receive assistance. Benefits are provided only in nursing homes. In 2025, a single Nursing Home Medicaid applicant must have an income of under $2,901 per month, assets under $2,000, and require a nursing home level of care.
- Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): This is not an entitlement; there are a limited number of participants and wait lists may exist. Intended to delay and prevent nursing home admissions, services are provided at home, adult day care, or in assisted living.
- Medicaid through the Health Insurance Marketplace: Depending on your family size and income, you may even qualify for help to pay your monthly premium.
The following residents can enroll in Medicaid in Ohio:
- Adults under age 65 with household incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.
- Children with household incomes up to 211% of poverty.
- Pregnant women with household incomes up to 205% of poverty (coverage for the mother continues for 12 months after the baby is born).
- Certain low-income people who are blind, disabled, or age 65+ can enroll in Ohio Medicaid, but these populations must also have low asset/resource levels to qualify for Medicaid.
Enrollment in Medicaid is year-round; you do not need to wait for an open enrollment period if you’re eligible for Medicaid. You can enroll online at HealthCare.gov or at the Ohio Benefits website.
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CareSource Medicaid
If you live in Ohio and are looking for free medical insurance, you may be eligible for Medicaid. CareSource is one of the providers that offer Medicaid plans in Ohio, and their plans are also available in Georgia, Indiana, and Michigan.
CareSource's Medicaid plans are designed to offer more of what matters to you and your family. Their plans include reward programs for moms and kids, access to a wide range of doctors, and even help finding a job. With CareSource, you get a partner who has thought of everything, so you don't have to settle for basic Medicaid.
To enrol in CareSource Medicaid, you can visit their website or contact your local county office in Ohio. The website provides a range of online tools and resources to help you manage your healthcare needs. You can also change your doctor or request a new ID card online through your My CareSource account.
Additionally, CareSource offers assistance to those with visual or hearing impairments or those who need help reading or understanding the information provided. Their Member Services can read the information aloud in English or your primary language, ensuring that all members can access and benefit from their services.
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Get Covered Ohio
If you're looking for free medical insurance in Ohio, Get Covered Ohio is a great place to start. This collaborative effort, led by the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, connects Ohioans with free information and assistance to explore their health insurance options, enroll in health coverage, and understand and use their chosen coverage.
- Full names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household.
- Income details for everyone in the household for the current month, along with the companies they work for.
Additionally, Buckeye Health Plan offers healthcare plans for individuals and families in Ohio. Depending on your family size and income, you may even be eligible for assistance in paying your monthly premium. Buckeye Health Plan's Ambetter plan provides affordable healthcare coverage. They also have a plan called MyCare Ohio, which contracts with both Medicare and Ohio Medicaid to offer enrollees the benefits of both programs.
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) provides healthcare coverage to over 3 million Ohioans through a network of more than 165,000 providers. They are currently redesigning their programs and services to focus more on individuals and their families. If you already have Medicaid, stay updated with any changes and ensure your contact information is up to date.
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Frequently asked questions
If you meet certain eligibility requirements, you can get free medical insurance in Ohio through Medicaid. To qualify, you must be a US citizen or meet Medicaid citizenship requirements, be a resident of Ohio, and meet specific monthly financial requirements. You can apply for Medicaid online, by phone, or in person.
To apply for free medical insurance in Ohio through Medicaid, you can either visit www.benefits.ohio.gov, call the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline at 1-800-324-8680, or visit your local County Department of Job and Family Services office.
Medicaid in Ohio offers a range of benefits, including access to a large provider network, reward programs, free rides to healthcare appointments, and pharmacies. Additionally, there are no copayments for any medical or behavioral health services.
