Programs and Services to Help Cover Medical Expenses

Ohio’s Whole Child Framework explains that when students’ health needs are met they can fully engage in complex learning and social activities. Ohio offers programs and funding to support students’ health. This webpage includes information on programs available in Ohio to assist with medical coverage and provides links to information on financial assistance for services such as hearing aids, vision exams, eyewear and medication assistance programs available for Ohio’s children.

Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid and Student Wellness and Success

Ohio Law supports schools and districts through the Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid and Student Wellness and Success Funds. These allocations are provided to schools and districts to fund programs and activities that support the whole child such as: academic interventions, dropout prevention, mental and physical healthcare services, prevention education programs, wrap around services, mentoring and afterschool programs, programs geared toward homeless youth and those involved in the child welfare system, enhanced safety and security measures and improved family and community resource and engagement services.

One way schools and districts can utilize these funds is by hiring support staff trained in connecting families to those resources available in the community.  A community liaison in the school setting serves as a link between the school/district’s families and local community organizations available to serve them. These individuals make a difference in the lives of others at the grassroots level, often working as an outreach coordinator to help families receive the services and supplies needed to keep their children healthy, safe and supported. The Ideas for Innovation to Support Student Wellness webpage highlights the work of schools and districts to support the needs of the whole child. Schools and districts can find examples of how others have used the funds to support student health through partnering with community organizations.

Healthy Start

Ohio Healthy Start (federally known as Children's Health Insurance Program, CHIP) provides free or low-cost health insurance for families with children. This program is designed to provide increased access to health coverage for children in families with income too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private coverage.
  • Who is eligible for Ohio Healthy Start?
  • ​How do I apply for Ohio Healthy Start?
    • When applying for Healthy Start, proof of income, pregnancy, citizenship (if not a U.S. citizen) and other health insurance is required. No face-to-face interview is necessary.
    • Call the Consumer Hotline at 1-800-324-8680,
    • Visit local office of job & family services.
    • Apply online
    • For more information visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid website or call 1-800-324-8680

Ohio Medicaid

Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including children, pregnant women, parents, seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Health Insurance Market Place

The Health Insurance Marketplace helps individuals find health coverage that fits their needs and budget. Every health plan in the Marketplace offers the same set of essential health benefits, including doctor visits, preventive care, hospitalization, prescriptions, and more. Individuals and families can compare plans based on price, benefits, quality, and other features important to them before making a choice.

With one application, individuals can see if they qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or for savings on a Marketplace plan. Most people who apply will qualify for some kind of savings. Every person in the U.S. must have minimum health coverage or pay a fee.

  • Who is eligible for Health Insurance Marketplace?
  • How do I apply for Health Insurance Marketplace?
    • A quick guide to the Health Insurance Marketplace
    • Open Enrollment Period is the only time you can enroll in a Marketplace plan. Some people may qualify for Special Enrollment Periods, which allow them to enroll in a Marketplace plan outside of Open Enrollment if they have certain life events, like getting married, having a baby, or losing other coverage.
    •  Learn more about applying on the How to apply & enroll page.
    • Health Insurance Marketplace
    • For more information, visit HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325.

Children With Medical Handicaps

The Children with Medical Handicaps Program (CMH) is a health care program run through the Ohio Department of Health. CMH links families of children with special health care needs to a network of quality medical providers and helps cover medical costs.  For further information regarding the CMH program see the Ohio Department of Health’s CMH webpage or contact your local health department.

Ohio Hearing Aid Assistance Program

The Ohio Hearing Aid Assistance Program provides families of children with hearing impairments with financial assistance to purchase hearing aids, earmolds, assistive listening devices, external cochlear implant processor replacements, and/or hearing aid batteries.  For further information regarding Ohio’s Hearing Aid Assistance Program see Ohio Department of Health’s Hearing Aid Assistance Webpage.

Vision Exam and/or Eyewear Assistance Programs

Many vision assistance programs are available across the State of Ohio.  Ohio Department of Health has developed a comprehensive list of Vision Resources.

Medication Assistance Programs

Last Modified: 10/19/2023 7:49:00 AM