Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
Could I be eligible?
​Medicaid for Individuals

To check the status of your case or application, login to your account at ssp.benefits.ohio.gov, and click “View Your Account”. If you do not have an online account, you can sign up by clicking on the “Sign Up” link to create a secure account. You can also check the status of your case or application by contacting Shared Services at 1-844-640-6446.
How do I apply?

How to Apply for Medical Assistance (Medicaid)


Simply contact Ohio Benefits at 1-844-640-6446.

Please note, if you are applying for waiver services an additional application and interview may be required. waiver application.

How can I apply online?

How can I apply online?

To apply for health care benefits online at ssp.benefits.ohio.gov. There, you will answer a series of questions and your answers will direct you to the correct application for health care.


   Fairfield County Job and Family Services

   Attn: Child Care

   239 West Main Street

   Lancaster, Ohio 43130


You can also return applications via mail to 239 W. Main St, Lancaster, OH 43130, or deliver them in person to the Fairfield County JFS office. There is a drop box on the side of the building that can be used outside of normal business hours.

Additional Information

Additional Information

You can now call 1-844-640-6446 during and outside normal business hours to receive a current benefit summary and to check the status of your case. You can also sign up for text message notifications regarding your benefits.

Report A Change

Email: case23@jfs.ohio.gov
Be sure to include your name and case number.

​Nursing Home/Waiver
Could I be eligible?
  • Medicaid provides long-term care services for individuals in Nursing Facilities (NFs) and Intermediate Care Facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID)
  • Medicaid can also provide Home and Community-Based Services Waivers to individuals who wish to stay in their home, but otherwise need institutional care. The number of consumers that can be enrolled in a waiver program at any one time is limited
  • Income/resources for Facility and Waiver Medicaid eligibility will be evaluated once an application is received
How do I apply?
  • To apply for Medicaid for an individual going into or currently in a Nursing Facility, or for Passport/Waiver services, please complete and submit the following application: odjfs.state.oh.us or ssp.benefits.ohio.gov
  • If you want someone to apply for you or on your behalf, please complete and submit the Designation of Authorized Representative form.
  • In person at our agency during regular business hours (M – F 8:00 am-4:00 pm)
  • By dropping a completed application in the agency drop box located in the front of our building, open 24 hours
  • By mailing a completed application 239 W Main Street Lancaster, Ohio 43130
  • By faxing a completed application to 740-689-4848.
​What verifications are needed?
  • Proof of citizenship, or alien registration card/I-9
  • Social Security Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Driver’s License, State ID
  • Proof of all income (employment, child support, disability, unemployment, etc)
  • All resources (bank statements, all life insurance policies, stocks, bonds, annuities, IRA, trusts, and etc )
  • Proof of disability (doctor statement, doctor/hospital records)
  • Social Security award letter (if applicable)
What happens after I submit my application?

We offer face to face appointments or phone appointments for you or your Authorized Representative Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

If you cannot come to an appointment during regular business hours, you can file an application at any time and we will contact you to make other arrangements

​Disability - (Aged, Blind, or Disabled)
Could I be eligible?

If you are not eligible for MAGI Medicaid, not receiving SSI, and are 65+ and/or blind/disabled with no SSI, you may still be eligible for Medicaid.

You may qualify if:

  • Age 21 or over
  • Meet the definition of disability used by Social Security Administration
  • A disability determination is not required for individuals over age 65 who are active on the solid organ or soft tissue waiting list or who have certain diagnosed chronic conditions
  • Reside in a home or community-based setting
  • Meet the clinical diagnostic, needs assessment and risk criteria
  • Income at or below 300% Federal Benefit Rate (FBR)
  • Additional Information medicaid.ohio.gov
  • Even if you don't qualify for full Medicaid when you receive Medicare, you could be eligible for a category of the Medicare Premium Assistance Program (MPAP). These categories extend up to 135% of the federal poverty line and can pay your Medicare Part B premium expense.
How do I apply?
  • Click here to apply online: ssp.benefits.ohio.gov
  • In person at our agency during regular business hours (Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm)
  • By dropping a completed application in the agency drop box located in the front of our building
  • By mailing a completed application 239 W Main Street Lancaster, Ohio 43130
  • By faxing a completed application to 740-689-4848
  • By contacting Shared Services at 1-844-640-6446
​What verifications are needed?
  • Proof of citizenship, or alien registration card/I-9
  • Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Driver’s License or State ID
  • Proof of all income (employment, child support, disability, unemployment, etc)
  • Proof of resources (bank statements, stocks, bonds, IRA, trusts)
  • Additional verification may be requested or required
What happens after I submit my application?
  • An interview is not generally required unless applying for waiver services, but we can offer an appointment if necessary
  • We offer face to face appointments for you or your Authorized Representative Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 4:00pm
  • If you cannot come to an appointment during regular business hours, you can file an application at any time and we will contact you to make other arrangements
​Managed Care

Once you are approved for Medicaid, you will be automatically assigned to a managed care plan. "Managed care" is the name for the insurance that Medicaid works through. Not every category of Medicaid will be eligible for managed care. You will have the opportunity to change managed care plans within the first 90 days of enrollment, or during open enrollment each November.

For more detailed explanations of these programs, visit:


Managed Care Enrollment Center Counselor for assistance in selecting a Managed Care Provider at 1-800-605-3040.

Managed Care plans act just like regular health insurance. Once you are enrolled in a managed care plan, you should receive a new card in the mail.

Estate Recovery
What is Estate Recovery?

Estate Recovery OAC 5160:1-2-07


What is Estate Recovery?

Seeks repayment for Medicaid costs for:

  • Individuals 55 and over who received Medicaid services
  • Permanently institutionalized individuals regardless of age
Who is considered permanently institutionalized?
  • An individual who is an inpatient in an institution
  • An individual who cannot reasonably be expected to be discharged from the institution and return home as determined by the Department of Medicaid
When does Estate Recovery take place?

After the individual’s death, estate recovery starts when:

  • The surviving spouse passes away
  • There is no surviving child under 21
  • There is no surviving blind or disabled child of any age
Who handles Estate Recovery?

Estate recovery is administered by the Ohio Attorney General’s office

See the chart below to determine who is subject to Estate Recovery based on the type of Medicaid received:

type of Medicaid received