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): ~$994/month single / ~$1,491/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 (~$994/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.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat 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.
Step by step
- Check that this program fits your situation. Ohio Medicaid Aged, Blind, and Disabled is for Ohioans age 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
- Gather your documents. Have proof of age 65 or older or proof of blind or disabled status, proof of Ohio residency, proof of all household income and assets, your Social Security card, and your Medicare card if you are enrolled.
- Review the program rules before you apply. This program has strict income and resource limits, and most middle-income seniors may not qualify on income alone.
- Apply online through Ohio Benefits or apply by phone at 1-844-640-6446.
- Answer all questions fully and submit the requested documents. Keep copies of what you send.
- Ask about other Medicaid paths if needed. If your income is too high but you have high medical expenses, ask about the Medically Needy spend-down program. If one spouse needs long-term care and the other stays at home, ask how spousal protections may apply.
What to expect: After you apply, the state will review your information and may contact you for more proof or details. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate if needed. If approved, coverage will be handled through Ohio Medicaid. Renewals are required every year, so watch for renewal notices and respond on time.
Renewals
annual
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.