Medicaid Education and Resources
Understanding your health insurance is an important part of managing your health. Whether you're new to Medicaid, renewing your coverage, or looking for information about recent Medicaid changes, University Hospitals is committed to helping patients and community members access clear, trusted educational resources.
This page provides general information about Medicaid, explains common terms, and connects you with official state and local resources that can help you better understand your health coverage.
Please note: University Hospitals does not determine Medicaid eligibility or benefits. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a guarantee of Medicaid eligibility, enrollment, coverage, or benefits. Ohio Medicaid eligibility determinations are made by the Ohio Department of Medicaid and county Departments of Job and Family Services. Coverage and benefit determinations may also be subject to applicable Medicaid program rules and Medicaid managed care plan requirements.
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program that helps eligible individuals and families access healthcare services. Although Medicaid is funded by both the federal government and state governments, each state administers its own Medicaid program.
In Ohio, Medicaid is administered by the Ohio Department of Medicaid and provides health coverage to more than three million Ohioans.
Depending on an individual’s eligibility and benefits, Medicaid may help cover services such as:
- Primary care
- Preventive care and wellness visits
- Hospital and emergency care
- Prescription medications
- Behavioral and mental health services
- Pregnancy and maternity care
- Pediatric care
- Laboratory and diagnostic services
- Long-term services and supports for eligible individuals
Medicaid helps people access preventive care, manage chronic health conditions, receive treatment when they are sick, and stay connected to ongoing healthcare services.
Who Can Qualify for Medicaid?
Eligibility for Medicaid is based on several factors established by state and federal law.
Depending on the Medicaid program, eligibility may consider:
- Household income
- Age
- Pregnancy
- Disability status
- Family size
- Other eligibility requirements
Because every person's situation is different, eligibility cannot be determined through general educational information. If you have questions about whether you qualify, contact the Ohio Department of Medicaid or your local Department of Job and Family Services.
Do I Have Medicaid?
Many Ohio residents receive their healthcare through a Medicaid Managed Care Plan. As a result, their insurance card often displays the name of their health plan rather than the word “Medicaid.”
If your insurance card lists one of the following plans, you may have Ohio Medicaid coverage:
- AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Health Plan
- CareSource
- Humana Healthy Horizons
- Molina Healthcare
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
If you’re unsure whether you have Medicaid:
- Contact your health plan and ask whether your coverage is through Ohio Medicaid.
- You may also visit the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal to review your Ohio Medicaid benefits.
If you still have questions, contact the Ohio Department of Medicaid or your county Department of Job and Family Services for assistance. The list of Ohio Medicaid Managed Care Plans may change over time. Visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid for the most current information.
If you have Ohio Medicaid, look for mail from the Ohio Department of Medicaid or your county Department of Job and Family Services. Be sure to read all Medicaid Notices carefully and respond if action is required.
Please note that changes affecting eligibility requirements for some individuals enrolled through Ohio’s Medicaid Expansion group are expected in 2027, including the Medicaid Work and Community Engagement Requirement. Federal and state requirements, timelines, and implementation details may change. For the most current information and updates, visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid and Ohio Benefits.
Understanding Common Medicaid Terms
- Medicaid
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A government health insurance program that provides healthcare coverage for eligible individuals and families who meet program requirements.
- Medicaid Expansion
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Medicaid Expansion refers to a Medicaid eligibility group that allows certain adults to qualify for Medicaid coverage based primarily on household income. If you are ages 19 – 64 years old, and your household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may be enrolled in Medicaid Expansion.
Note: Ohio Department of Medicaid also refers to Medicaid Expansion as “Group VIII”, “MAGI”, and “Ribicoff” coverage.
Important: Please note that changes affecting eligibility requirements for some individuals enrolled through Ohio’s Medicaid Expansion group are expected in 2027, including the Medicaid Work and Community Engagement Requirement. Federal and state requirements, timelines, and implementation details may change. For the most current information and updates, visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid and Ohio Benefits.
- Medicaid Expansion Work and Community Engagement Requirement
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Beginning January 1, 2027, some individuals with Ohio Medicaid Expansion coverage will be required to participate in work, education, job training, or community service each month to maintain Medicaid eligibility.
Some individuals in Ohio Medicaid Expansion will qualify for an exemption and will not have to complete the Work and Community Engagement Requirement each month. If you believe you are exempt, you may be asked to provide proof to your county Department of Job and Family Services.
Important: Please note that changes affecting eligibility requirements for some individuals enrolled through Ohio’s Medicaid Expansion group are expected in 2027, including the Medicaid Work and Community Engagement Requirement. Federal and state requirements, timelines, and implementation details may change. For the most current information and updates, visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid and Ohio Benefits.
- Renewal
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The process of confirming that you continue to qualify for Medicaid coverage. Beginning January 1, 2027, Medicaid Expansion renewals will be required every six months.
In some cases, the Ohio Department of Medicaid may be able to automatically renew your coverage using information already available. In other cases, you may be required to provide additional information or complete a renewal packet to renew your Medicaid coverage.
Important: Please note that changes affecting eligibility requirements for some individuals enrolled through Ohio’s Medicaid Expansion group are expected in 2027, including the Medicaid Work and Community Engagement Requirement. Federal and state requirements, timelines, and implementation details may change. For the most current information and updates, visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid and Ohio Benefits.
- Managed Care Plan
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A health insurance company that works with Ohio Medicaid to arrange and pay for covered healthcare services to Medicaid members. Ohio Medicaid Managed Care Plans include:
- AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Health Plan
- CareSource
- Humana Healthy Horizons
- Molina Healthcare
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
The list of Ohio Medicaid Managed Care Plans may change over time. Visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid for the most current information.
- Medicaid Notice
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An official letter or communication from Ohio Medicaid that may provide information about your coverage, confirm a renewal, request information or documentation, or explain changes to your coverage.
Medicaid Resources
- Medicaid Managed Care
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If you have questions about your Medicaid Managed Care Plan, including choosing or changing a plan, comparing plans, or finding a provider, visit the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline.
- Ohio Benefits
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Ohio Benefits is the online self-service portal Ohioans can use to apply for and manage public benefits, including Medicaid.
Use Ohio Benefits to:
- Apply for Medicaid
- Renew your Medicaid coverage
- Report household or income changes
- Update your contact information
- Check your benefits or case information
- Submit requested information or documentation
- County Departments of Job and Family Services
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Your local Department of Job and Family Services can help with Medicaid applications, renewals, documentation, eligibility questions, reporting changes, and other enrollment needs.
University Hospitals serves communities throughout Northeast Ohio. Select your county below to find local Medicaid and public assistance information:
- Ashtabula County Department of Job & Family Services
- Cuyahoga Job and Family Services – Medicaid
- Geauga County Job & Family Services – Assistance Programs
- Lake County Job and Family Services – Public Assistance
- Lorain County Job & Family Services
- Medina County Job and Family Services – Medicaid Assistance
- Portage County Job & Family Services – Medicaid
- Summit County Job & Family Services
- Trumbull County Job & Family Services – Medical Assistance
County offices can assist with:
- Applying for Medicaid
- Renewing Medicaid coverage
- Reporting household or income changes
- Submitting requested documentation
- Understanding Medicaid notices
- Getting help with eligibility or case questions
- Connecting individuals with additional community resources
- Center for Community Solutions
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The Center for Community Solutions is an independent, nonpartisan Ohio nonprofit organization that provides research and educational information about Medicaid, healthcare access, and public policy.
Patients and community members can use the Center for Community Solutions to learn more about:
- Medicaid policy and program changes
- Ohio health and human services policy
- Research and data
- Healthcare access
- State and federal policy developments
Frequently Asked Questions about Medicaid
- What is Medicaid?
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Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program that helps eligible individuals and families access healthcare services. Although Medicaid is funded by both the federal government and state governments, each state administers its own Medicaid program.
- What is Medicaid Expansion?
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Medicaid Expansion is one way eligible adults may qualify for Medicaid coverage based primarily on household income.
Important: Please note that changes affecting eligibility requirements for some individuals enrolled through Ohio’s Medicaid Expansion group are expected in 2027, including the Medicaid Work and Community Engagement Requirement. Federal and state requirements, timelines, and implementation details may change. For the most current information and updates, visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid and Ohio Benefits.
- How do I know if I have Medicaid?
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Many Ohio residents receive Medicaid through a Managed Care Plan, so your insurance card may display the name of a health plan rather than the word “Medicaid.”
If you are unsure whether you have Medicaid, contact your health plan and ask whether your coverage is through Ohio Medicaid. You may also contact the Ohio Department of Medicaid or your county Department of Job and Family Services for assistance.
If you have Ohio Medicaid, look for mail from the Ohio Department of Medicaid or your county Department of Job and Family Services. Be sure to read all Medicaid Notices carefully and respond if action is required.
- Will everyone with Ohio Medicaid be affected by the Medicaid changes expected in 2027?
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No. Some future federal Medicaid requirements are expected to apply primarily to certain adults enrolled through Ohio’s Medicaid Expansion program. Individual circumstances vary. Beginning in 2027, some individuals enrolled in Medicaid Expansion will be required to meet new work and community engagement requirements if they do not meet an exemption. Important: Please note that changes affecting eligibility requirements for some individuals enrolled through Ohio’s Medicaid Expansion group are expected in 2027, including the Medicaid Work and Community Engagement Requirement. Federal and state requirements, timelines, and implementation details may change. For the most current information and updates, visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid and Ohio Benefits.
- Are there exemptions to the upcoming Medicaid Expansion Work and Community Engagement Requirement?
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Yes, there are several exemptions to the Work and Community Engagement Requirement. Some individuals may meet an exemption based on their individual circumstances.
Review official Ohio Medicaid information or contact your county Department of Job and Family Services if you have questions about whether you are exempt from the Work and Community Engagement Requirements.
- What happens when it is time to renew my Medicaid coverage?
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Beginning January 1, 2026, renewals for Medicaid Expansion will be required every six months.
In some cases, the Ohio Department of Medicaid may have enough information to renew your Medicaid coverage without requiring you to complete a renewal packet. You may receive a Medicaid Notice confirming that your coverage has been renewed.
If the Ohio Department of Medicaid needs additional information, you may receive a notice requiring information or documentation, or you may be required to complete a renewal packet. Read any Medicaid Notice you receive carefully to determine whether you need to take action.
Important: Please note that changes affecting eligibility requirements for some individuals enrolled through Ohio’s Medicaid Expansion group are expected in 2027, including the Medicaid Work and Community Engagement Requirement. Federal and state requirements, timelines, and implementation details may change. For the most current information and updates, visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid and Ohio Benefits.
- What should I do if I receive a Medicaid Notice?
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Open and read the Medicaid Notice carefully.
If action is required, follow the instructions and respond by the requested deadline. If you do not understand the Medicaid Notice, ask for help.
- Where can I get help?
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For questions or assistance with your Ohio Medicaid, you should contact:
- Ohio Department of Medicaid
- Your county Department of Job and Family Services
Need Help?
If you have questions about Ohio Medicaid or need help understanding your next steps, trusted resources are available. You should contact:
- Ohio Department of Medicaid
- Ohio Department of Medicaid’s Consumer Hotline: 800-324-8680
- Medicaid.ohio.gov
- Your county Department of Job and Family Services