Medicaid

Medicaid is a state and federally funded health care plan administered by ODJFS.  County departments of job and family services determine eligibility for Medicaid programs.  Medicaid provides health care coverage to a number of different groups of people who meet certain eligibility requirements.  There are two major coverage groups, Covered Families and Children (CFC Medicaid) and people who are Aged, Blind or have a Disability (ABD Medicaid).  Each major group has several programs.

Covered Families and Children Medicaid (CFCM) provides family or individual coverage based on income.  This Medicaid group includes the Healthy Families and Healthy Start Programs. Healthy Families and Healthy Start offer health coverage to families, children up to age 19 and pregnant women.  A face-to-face interview is not required in order to apply for CFCM.  Please contact the local county department of job and family services to request an application.

Coverage for people who are Aged, Blind or have a Disability (ABD Medicaid) is available to individuals who meet income and resource limits.  Adults 65 or older may be eligible for Medicaid.  Individuals of any age with a disability, including individuals who are legally blind, may also qualify for Medicaid.

Those who meet the age or disability criteria, but whose income is higher than the income limit can use the cost of medical care to “spend down” or offset their eligible income to qualify for Medicaid.

A face-to-face interview is required in order to apply for ABD Medicaid.  Please contact the local county department of job and family services to schedule an appointment.

Other Health Coverage Programs

The Medicare Premium Assistance Program is a program to assist Medicare consumers with the cost of their Medicare expenses.  Medicaid may pay for some or all of their Medicare expenses including premiums, deductibles or coinsurance.  

Home and Community Based Services Waivers

Ohio also operates several Medicaid waiver programs for consumers with chronic medical conditions or severe disabilities.  Waivers are granted by the federal government to allow the state Medicaid program to “waive” certain Medicaid rules.  In Ohio, these waivers provide services to a limited number of eligible people, allowing them to live in their home and/or community instead of in an institutional setting.  There are multiple waivers in Ohio which are available on a limited basis.  Consumers should ask for waiver services when they apply for Medicaid.

The Long-Term Care Health Plan offers benefits to individuals who are elderly or disabled and who meet additional criteria.  Institutional long-term care services are provided through either a Nursing Facility or an Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded to people who are elderly or disabled.

Please contact the Lawrence County DJFS for additional information regarding any Medicaid Program.