Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for Ohio Medicaid — Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD)
Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) — administers Medicaid for Ohioans age 65+, blind, or disabled
Who it's for
Ohio Medicaid Aged/Blind/Disabled covers Ohioans age 65+, blind, or disabled. Income limit (2026): ~$967/month single / ~$1,452/month couple (SSI-FBR linked — STRICT, similar to PA and TX). Resource limit: $2,000 single / $3,000 couple. Ohio also offers Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD). Apply via Ohio Benefits (benefits.ohio.gov), at the local County Department of Job and Family Services (CDJFS), or by calling 1-844-640-6446.
Ohio Medicaid ABD is STRICT at SSI-FBR (~$967/mo single). Similar to Pennsylvania and Texas; less generous than New York (~138% FPL) or New Jersey (~100% FPL). Most middle-income seniors will not qualify on income alone; spend-down via the Medically Needy program is available for those with high medical expenses. Married couples — long-term-care note: Ohio applies spousal protections to Medicaid long-term care, including the PASSPORT waiver and nursing-facility care. When one spouse needs long-term care and the other stays home, federal spousal-impoverishment rules protect the spouse who stays home (the community spouse). The single-applicant income and asset limits above are not applied to the community spouse's protected share — in 2026 that spouse can keep up to $162,660 in countable assets, plus a minimum monthly income allowance, while the spouse who needs care still qualifies. The state Medicaid agency calculates the exact protected amount; this eligibility check cannot. Not legal or financial advice.
What you'll need
- Proof of age 65+ (or blind/disabled status)
- Proof of Ohio residency
- Proof of all household income and assets
- Social Security card
- Medicare card if enrolled
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-844-640-6446
What to say when you call
“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Ohio Medicaid — Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age 65+ (or blind/disabled status), proof of ohio residency, proof of all household income and assets — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
annual
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.