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Health Insurance Resources

Arthritis Foundation

Supports individuals living with arthritis through science, advocacy, resources, and community. Their website has great information on types of arthritis, treatments and medications, navigating insurance, finding a doctor, and healthy living interventions. Their Helpline is staffed by licensed social workers to help callers find support and resources Monday through Friday.
Helpline: (800) 283-7800
arthritis.org

Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH)

Links families of children with special health care needs to CMH-providers and helps families pay for the services the child’s needs up to age 21 years old. Visit the website to see what conditions are eligible for CMH and locate CMH providers by county.
(614) 466-1700 or (800) 755-4769 Toll-free (for parents only)
odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/children-with-medical-handicaps/welcome-to
CMH Providers & Locations: data.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/data/view/children-with-medical-handicaps-_cmh_-provider-directory

Columbus Public Health (CPH) Resource Lists

These neighborhood resource lists are extremely helpful in finding resources near you. They provide detailed listings of free and low cost health care, vision care, dental care, prescription help, food pantries, transportation, job help, transportation, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated frequently and reviewed by the Columbus Public Health social work team. Please note that CPH does not provide direct monetary assistance, but these lists are helpful in finding community agencies that do provide this assistance.

240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7417
Columbus Public Health Neighborhood Social Work Helpline: (614) 645-6807
https://new.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health

Disability Benefits & Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs provide assistance to people who meet requirements for disability. Children can qualify if they have a physical or mental condition that seriously limits their activities, and if their family has a limited income. A child may receive benefits if they are the child of a SSI beneficiary who is disabled or deceased. The benefits pay for many services, including doctor and hospital visits.
(800) 772-1213 or (800) 325-0778 TTY
ssa.gov/benefits/disability

Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services (JFS)

Provides information about food assistance (Ohio Direction Card / EBT), cash assistance, medical assistance (like Medicaid), job training, emergency assistance (PRC), help with paying for child care and more. Each center serves certain zip codes. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services. Refugees and immigrants should apply for services as well.

  • East Opportunity Center
    1055 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  • Northland Opportunity Center
    1721 Northland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  • West Opportunity Center
    314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204

Call (844) 640-6446 to apply for SNAP/OWF cash assistance/Medicaid benefits
Medical Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal: benefits.ohio.gov

HealthCare.gov

This website will help you learn about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), apply for health care benefits, compare costs of insurance, and find local health navigators. This is for you if you are uninsured or buy your own insurance, spend more than a certain percentage of your pay on insurance or are a small business owner.
(800) 318-2596
healthcare.gov

Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP)

Provides medical care to people with incomes at or below the poverty level or on disability medical assistance. Applicants must be residents of Ohio but do not need to be U.S. citizens, and applicants must not be eligible for Medicaid. Information about these programs can be obtained from Columbus area hospital’s financial assistance department. Visit the website to find more financial assistance programs for those served at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
For Nationwide Children’s Hospital HCAP: (614) 722-2055
nationwidechildrens.org/financial-assistance

Insure Kids Now

This website provides information on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which offer free or low-cost health insurance for kids and teens. Children can get regular check-ups, immunizations, doctor and dentist visits, hospital care, mental health services, prescriptions and more. Income eligible families and individuals can apply online, by phone, by mail or in person.
(877) 543-7669
insurekidsnow.gov

Ohio Benefits & Assistance Programs: Are You Eligible for Medicaid?

Wondering if you are eligible for Ohio benefits and assistance programs? Go online to view program details, check eligibility, view your account, and apply for (or renew) your benefits. Programs include SNAP food assistance, Medicaid healthcare coverage, veteran assistance, WIC,  childcare assistance, and cash assistance for those who qualify based on income guidelines.
(844) 640-6446
Program Descriptions: benefits.ohio.gov/home/resources/assistance-programs
benefits.ohio.gov

Ohio Department of Medicaid Waiver Services

Waivers are programs that help Ohio Medicaid customers with special needs remain at home instead of being in a nursing home, hospital or facility. They provide financial assistance to families, and there is typically a waiting list. Services may include personal care, transportation, respite services, supported employment, nutrition services, assistive devices, home modifications and interpreter services. See further information about Ohio waiver programs below.

50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
medicaid.ohio.gov

Ohio Insurance Managed Care Plans (MCP) Medicaid Hotlines

In Ohio, most individuals who have Medicaid must join a managed care plan (MCP) to receive their health care. These plans provide a toll-free medical advice phone line for help coordinating care for individuals with special health care needs, annual physical exams and sick and well care. Ohio has a general hotline for advice about managed care plans.

Medicaid 24/7 Hotline: (800) 324-8680

Ohio Medicaid Healthy Start & Healthy Families Consumer Hotline

Provides free and low-cost health care coverage to families, children (birth through age 20) and pregnant women. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, pregnancy services, vision, dental and mental health services. Go online for exact income guidelines.

  • Healthy Start includes Medicaid and CHIP programs. The income-based Medicaid program is available to children (up to age 19) and pregnant women.
  • Healthy Families is an income-based Medicaid program available to families with children (younger than age 19).

50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
medicaid.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/medicaid/families-and-individuals/citizen-programs-and-initiatives/children-families-and-women

Ohio Medicare Savings Programs

The Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) offers financial assistance programs for people covered by Medicare. Click on the Ohio Medicare Savings Program guide for a list of information.
50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 686-1578
insurance.ohio.gov/consumers/medicare/msp

Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)

Provides coverage for the treatment of emergency medical conditions for refugees who have been in the country for less than 8 months, have a low income, and are not eligible for Medicaid. Applicants must provide proof of income, pregnancy, citizenship and other health insurance (if applicable). This program offers health coverage for a limited period of time to refugees upon their arrival in the United States. Emergency Medicaid programs are also available for Non-U.S. citizens and Non-citizens Victims of Trafficking. Go online to view program details and apply.
Medicaid Hotline: (800) 324-8680
medicaid.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/medicaid/families-and-individuals/srvcs/medicaid-programs#non-us-citizens

South Side Thrive

A network of partners in the South Side of Columbus working to holistically improve quality of life for residents. Their website has helpful information and resources for finding healthcare and insurance, healthy eating, resilience, mental and physical wellness, and managing chronic conditions. Use their Resource Map to locate resources like food, childcare, healthcare, legal help, and more in the South Side. Go online to contact the organization.
southsidethrive.org

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF)

Nonprofit providing medical grants for families to pay for healthcare services that are not covered by their family’s insurance plan. Children must be age 16 or younger, and covered by a commercial health plan to qualify for a grant. Applications must be submitted on a computer, not phone or tablet. Find additional requirements and application instructions on their website.
(855) 698-4223
uhccf.org

Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio (UHCAN Ohio)

Provides health care advocacy and support. They assist Ohioans in finding affordable health care options, prescriptions and hospital care throughout Ohio. Their website provides information on free clinics and community health centers, Columbus hospital clinics offering financial assistance and other resources.
215 North Front Street, Suite 300, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 505-9460
uhcanohio.org/individuals


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