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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 (including juvenile 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. They also offer virtual Peer Support Groups and educational webinars for families and healthcare providers.
Helpline: (800) 283-7800
arthritis.org

Complex Medical Help (CMH) – Formerly Children with Medical Handicaps

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 25 years old. Visit the website to see what conditions are eligible for CMH and locate CMH providers by county.
Ohio Department of Health: 246 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43216
(614) 466-1700
odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/complex-medical-help/complex-medical-help
CMH Providers Directory: data.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/data/view/children-with-medical-handicaps-_cmh_-provider-directory

Disability Benefits & Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs provide financial assistance for people who meet federal 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. Apply online for disability benefits through the federal Social Security Administration (SSA).
(800) 772-1213
Deaf or Hard of Hearing: (800) 325-0778 TTY
ssa.gov/benefits/disability

Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services (JFS)

Provides financial, medical, and social service programs in Franklin County. Programs include cash assistance (Ohio Works First, LEAP), help paying for child care, food assistance (Ohio Direction Card/SNAP/EBT, WIC), medical assistance (Medicaid, Healthy Start), and Ohio Means Jobs assistance for job seekers. Emergency Assistance (PRC) funds may be requested for a maximum of $2,000 to use towards overdue rent and utility bills, car repairs; or damages as a result of a natural disaster, housefire, or flood. Visit the website to view specific eligibility requirements for each program, and to start your application. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services.

  • 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

(614) 233-2000
Customer Access Center: (844) 640-6446
Medicaid Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
Ohio Direction EBT Card Assistance: (866) 386-3071
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal (Apply Here): ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal
Main Website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov

Health Insurance Managed Care Plans (MCP) Medicaid Hotlines & Transportation to Medical Appointments

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 Member Services phoneline for help coordinating care for individuals with special health care needs, medical advice, transportation, and other plan benefits. Ohio has a general hotline for advice about all managed care plans.

Ohio Medicaid 24/7 Hotline: (800) 324-8680
medicaid.ohio.gov/families-and-individuals/srvcs/transportation

  • AmeriHealth
    Members with a medical appointment over 30 miles away can call Member Services to schedule a free ride to health appointments. Members can call 2 business days in advance to schedule transportation.
    Member Services: (833) 764-7700
    amerihealthcaritasoh.com/member/eng/benefits/transportation.aspx
  • Anthem
    Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield members can receive free rides to and from their doctor’s office, pharmacy, and other providers of covered services through Access2Care. Call a minimum of 2 full business days prior to your scheduled routine appointment. For an urgent/same day appointment or facility discharge, members may call and Access2Care will try to find a ride for the member. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance.
    Member Services: (844) 912-0938
    Access2Care: (800) 282-9720
    anthem.com/oh/medicaid/benefits/transportation
  • Buckeye Health Plan
    Provides round trip coverage for covered services 30+ miles away. Offers 15 round-trip visits per member per 12-month period for healthcare appointments, WIC appointments, JFS renewal/redetermination appointments, and pharmacies. Members can call 2 business days in advance to schedule.
    Member Services:(866) 246-4358
    Transportation: (866) 246-4358
    buckeyehealthplan.com/members/medicaid
  • CareSource
    Provides unlimited trips to and from healthcare visits, including JFS renewal appointments, pharmacies, gyms, and grocery stores. Wheelchair accessible rides are available upon request. Call Member Services at least 2 business days prior to the appointment to schedule a ride.
    Member Services: (800) 488-0134
    caresource.com/oh/plans/medicaid/benefits-services/additional-services
  • Humana Healthy Horizons
    Provides 30 one-way (15 round) trips each calendar year for members. Rides are available for JFS appointments, healthcare appointments, baby showers, food banks, GED classes, job interviews parenting classes, and more. Additional trips are available for circumstances such as intensive outpatient treatment or visiting children in residential facilities. Unlimited trips are available for treatments such as chemotherapy, dialysis, and urgent care. Transportation is provided through Access2Care, call the Access2Care line to schedule. Members must call at least 48 hours in advance of needing a ride if needing access to wheelchair transportation or non-medical transportation.
    Member Services: (877) 856-5702
    Access2Care: (855) 739-5986
    humana.com/medicaid/ohio/coverage/transportation
  • Molina
    Provides 30 one-way trips each calendar year for healthcare appointments, WIC appointments, pharmacies, food pantries, and grocery stores. Unlimited rides are available for transportation from the emergency room, doctor’s appointments 30+ miles away, prenatal care and after-birth check-ups, and newborn well-visits. Transportation may be provided through rideshare services (Lyft, Uber), taxis, bus passes, gas money, or other providers. Call the transportation line at least 48 hours before needing transportation to schedule.
    Transportation: (866) 642-9279
    Eligibility Questions: (866) 481-5994
    Member Services: (800) 642-4168
    molinahealthcare.com/members/oh/en-US/mem/medicaid/overvw/coverd/services/transport.aspx
  • United Healthcare
    Provides 30 one-way (15 round) trips per calendar year to health care appointments and pharmacies. Mileages reimbursement is available for members who would prefer to use their own vehicle to medical appointments. Unlimited trips are available for pregnancy, prenatal, post-partum, WIC appointments, NICU visits, and newborn well-visits. Members must call Member Services 5 days in advance to schedule a trip.
    Eligibility Questions: (844) 316-8963
    Member Services: (800) 895-2017
    uhc.com/communityplan/ohio/plans/medicaid/community-plan

HealthCare.gov – Health Insurance Marketplace/Exchange

Official website for the Health Insurance Marketplace set up through the Affordable Care Act (PPACA/ACA).  Use the website to compare health plans and prices, enroll or renew Marketplace coverage, make updates to your application, cancel your plan, or learn about tax credits for private insurance. Marketplace plans are for those who are uninsured or buy their own health insurance, including small business owners.
(800) 318-2596
Find a Local Agent: healthcare.gov/find-local-help
healthcare.gov

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 ages 0-19. Families must meet income eligibility requirements. Coverage includes regular check-ups, immunizations, doctor and dentist visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and mental health services. Families may apply any time online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
Insure Kids Now: (877) 543-7669
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
insurekidsnow.gov

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Financial Assistance

Offers several options for families unable to pay for care. Nationwide Children’s financial counselors can help families sign up for coverage through Healthy Start and Healthy Families, Children with Medical Handicaps, Health Care Exchange, Medicaid, and Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP). HCAP provides hospital services for those whose income falls below 100% of the federal poverty level and are not eligible for Medicaid. Nationwide Children’s Hospital Financial Assistance Program is for those who have used all other resources and are not able to pay for care. Eligibility is based on total gross income and family size (number of dependents). Families must complete an application with proof of income to be considered for the Financial Assistance Program. Families with unusual situations may receive further consideration. Nationwide Children’s also offers sliding scale fees for some services. Alien Emergency Medical Assistance (AEMA) provides Medicaid coverage for immigrants experiencing emergency medical conditions. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for AEMA.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Patient Accounts/Customer Service: (614) 722-2055
Financial Counselors & Help with Medicaid: (614) 722-2070
AEMA: (614) 722-6855
nationwidechildrens.org/financial-assistance

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, eligibility requirements, and renewal requirements. Applications can be submitted online through the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal (OBSSP), or in person at your local Job and Family Services Office.

  • Medicaid: Provides healthcare coverage for Ohio residents that meet income requirements, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. Includes Healthy Start and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): cap4kids.org/columbus/medicaid-healthy-start and medical transportation services: cap4kids.org/columbus/ohio-insurance-managed-care-plans-mcp
  • SNAP Food Assistance: Helps those at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines access healthy food. Participants receive an Ohio Direction Card (also known as Ohio EBT card) to use at grocery stores like a debit card. SNAP funds may be used to purchase fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, seafood, non-alcoholic beverages, canned foods, and other cold grocery items at major retailers or online.
  • Ohio Works First Cash Assistance: Residents who are pregnant or have at least once child and meet the gross monthly income test are eligible to receive an Ohio Way2Go prepaid MasterCard that can be used at banks, ATMs, and retailers.
  • Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC Childcare Assistance): Provides financial assistance for families who are working or in school pay for early care and education programs. Families must must be at or below 145% of the federal poverty level, or 150% for children with a disability.
    cap4kids.org/columbus/odjfs-child-care
  • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Food/nutrition support for income-eligible pregnant, expecting, or postpartum women.
    cap4kids.org/columbus/wic
  • Ohio Refugee Services: Cash assistance and other integration services for eligible refugees, asylees, or migrants.
    cap4kids.org/columbus/ohio-refugee-services
  • Benefits for Children with Disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs provide financial assistance for people who meet federal requirements for disability.
    cap4kids.org/columbus/ssi
    Families may qualify for additional assistance through Medicaid Waivers: cap4kids.org/columbus/medicaid-waiver-services. These benefits can be accessed through your local Board of Developmental Disabilities: cap4kids.org/columbus/department-of-developmental-disabilities

Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
Ohio Benefits Call Center: (844) 640-6446
Job & Family Services Offices: cap4kids.org/columbus/franklin-county-jfs
Ohio Benefits Program Descriptions: benefits.ohio.gov/home/resources/assistance-programs
OBSSP Benefits Self-Service Portal: benefits.ohio.gov

Ohio Department of Medicaid Waiver Services

Ohio Medicaid waivers help eligible customers with disabilities or chronic health conditions pay for healthcare costs and access care at home or in the community rather than a long-term care facility. Covered services may include personal care, transportation, respite services, supported employment, nutrition services, assistive devices, home modifications and interpreter services. Each state has its own waiver program has its own programs with different eligibility requirements, and there is typically a waiting list. Contact your local Board of Developmental Disabilities or Department of Job and Family Services to start the waiver application process.

Job & Family Services Offices: cap4kids.org/columbus/franklin-county-jfs
County Boards of Developmental Disabilities Offices: cap4kids.org/columbus/department-of-developmental-disabilities
Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities Service Coordination Department: (614) 464-2743
Franklin County Job and Family Services: (844) 640-6446
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680

Ohio Medicaid Healthy Start & Healthy Families

Medicaid program providing health care coverage for families, children ages 0-20, and pregnant women. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, pregnancy services, vision, dental and mental health services.

  • Healthy Start: Insured or uninsured children up to age 19 in families with income up to 156% of the federal poverty level, pregnant women in families with income up to 200% of the federal poverty level.
  • Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Uninsured children up to age 19 in families with income up to 206% of the federal poverty level.
  • Healthy Families: Families with income up to 90% of the federal poverty level with a children younger than age 19.

Ohio Department of Medicaid: 50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Ohio 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. Medicare Savings Programs or Medicare Premium Assistance Programs (MPAP) help income-eligible individuals who do not qualify for full Medicaid pay for health care coverage. Visit the website for eligibility guidelines and to compare savings programs. Click Here for the Ohio Medicare Savings Program Guide. Applications must be completed through your local Department of Job and Family Services.
Ohio Department of Medicaid Office: 50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 686-1578
Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services & Find Your Local ODJFS Office: cap4kids.org/columbus/franklin-county-jfs
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. Applications can be completed online or through your local Department of Job and Family Services.
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services: (614) 466-6282
jfs.ohio.gov/cash-food-and-refugee-assistance/refugee-services/information-for-refugees/services-for-refugees/refugee-medical-assistance-programs

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF)

Provides medical grants for families to pay for healthcare services related to a major medical condition that are not covered by their family’s insurance plan. Children must be 16 years old or younger, be a U.S. citizen, and have coverage through a commercial health plan to qualify for a grant. Families must meet income eligibility requirements. Applications must be submitted on a computer, not phone or tablet. Visit the website for a full list of requirements and for application instructions.
(855) 698-4223
uhccf.org

Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio (UHCAN Ohio)

Advocates for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Ohioans. The website provides information on health insurance enrollment, health equity, and affordable prescriptions in Ohio. Their team of certified care navigators can help you find affordable health insurance and other resources for free. They have staff who speak Spanish, Arabic, and Somali. Call to schedule an appointment.
215 North Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 505-9460
uhcanohio.org/aca-enrollment

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