Medicaid Renewal in Ohio

Do you or someone you know depend on Medicaid in Ohio to get the medical care you need? If so, you need to know the following important and up-to-date information received today from the Mercer County Department of Job and Family Services:

Now that the federal government has announced a return to routine eligibility operations, it is critical that you:

1. Keep your contact information up to date. When it’s time to renew, or if Medicaid needs more information to continue a member’s coverage, your County Department of Job and Family Services (CDJFS) mails a letter. It is imperative that your contact information is up to date so you don’t miss out on important notices. You can update your contact information by: 
   • Calling 1-844-640-6446. Help is available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
   • In person or by mail at your local CDJFS. You can find your CDJFS by selecting your county from our dropdown menu. 
   • Online. Members with an existing Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal (SSP) account can report changes online at ssp.benefits.ohio.gov. After logging in, click the “Access my Benefits” tile, then click “Report a Change to my Case” from the dropdown and follow the prompts. 
2. Check your mail and respond to renewal letters or requests for information immediately. While some renewals can be completed without a need to contact the member, some renewals will require members to respond to mail. If you receive a letter stating that it is time to renew, or that your CDJFS needs more information, you should respond right away. The CDJFS needs to hear from you to review your Medicaid eligibility. If you do not respond to renewal letters or requests for information, you risk losing coverage even if you still meet the eligibility criteria for Medicaid.
   • You can manage your Medicaid account, complete renewals, upload documents, and find out the status of your coverage by logging into your Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal account at ssp.benefits.ohio.gov.
   • For additional questions, help is available in person or via phone at your CDJFS.
   • You can also call 1-844-640-6446. Help is available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
3. Take the necessary steps to transition to other coverage if you’re no longer eligible for Medicaid. 
   • If you are notified you no longer qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to buy low-cost health coverage through the federally facilitated Marketplace at healthcare.gov. Losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), which allows you to enroll in a Marketplace plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period.
   • If you need help understanding your options, trained, licensed insurance navigators are available at no cost to you. Contact Get Covered Ohio for free, unbiased assistance. Go to getcoveredohio.org or call 1-833-628-4467. Insurance navigators can help in person, online, or over the phone. 
   • PLEASE NOTE: even if you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, your child may be eligible for coverage. Ohio Medicaid offers a Program called “Healthy Start” that is available to insured or uninsured children (up to age 19) in families with income up to 156% of the federal poverty level. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is also available to uninsured children (up to age 19) in families with income up to 206% of the federal poverty level. For additional information, contact your CDJFS. 

En Espanol: Renovación de Medicaid en Ohio