Ohio Medicaid: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
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Medicaid in Ohio is run by the Ohio Department of Medicaid. Ohio adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in 2014, so an adult under 65 qualifies on income alone at or below 138% of the poverty guideline: $1,835 a month for one person in 2026. Children are covered through Healthy Start, and the application is at benefits.ohio.gov or 800-324-8680. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | Ohio Medicaid |
|---|---|
| Children | Healthy Start |
| Agency | Ohio Department of Medicaid |
| Apply | benefits.ohio.gov · 800-324-8680 |
| Expansion | Yes, since 2014 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | January 1, 2027 |
Who qualifies in Ohio
Adults 19 to 64 not on Medicare qualify at or below 138% of poverty (133% plus a 5% disregard), on household modified adjusted gross income, with no asset test. The 2026 figures:
| Household size | Annual income at 138% | Monthly | 100% of poverty (marketplace floor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 | $38,680 |
Computed from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (January 15, 2026).
Children (Healthy Start), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that Ohio sets above the federal minimums.
How Ohio compares
Ohio expanded on the first day it could, January 1, 2014, with the original group of states. On the work requirement it is not among the early starters (Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska), so members have until January 1, 2027. Ohio uses the plain "Medicaid" name, so the card and letters say what they are.
How to apply for Ohio Medicaid
- Apply online at benefits.ohio.gov, or call 800-324-8680. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to Ohio. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income.
A Ohio Medicaid case also qualifies you for a free phone (Ohio carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with Ohio SNAP.
What changes in Ohio
Ohio has set its own start for the federal work requirement: January 1, 2027. Six-month renewals for expansion adults begin with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027. The nationwide changes are on the hub with CMS sources.
Ohio specifics
- Ohio's published timeline puts the community engagement requirement in effect January 1, 2027; the state also filed its own waiver application for the expansion group.
- Offices serve Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether Ohio Medicaid pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is Ohio's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in Ohio for 2026?
$22,025 a year for one adult, $29,863 for two and $45,540 for four (138% of the 2026 poverty guideline); children go higher through Healthy Start.
Does Ohio have a Medicaid work requirement?
Yes: Ohio has set January 1, 2027, for expansion adults 19 to 64 (80 hours a month, with exemptions listed on the hub).
Sources
- Ohio Medicaid: state program page
- HHS: 2026 poverty guidelines
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid expansion and you (138%)
- Federal Register: community engagement interim final rule (June 3, 2026)
- CMS: 2025 law section-by-section overview
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