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Gesher Agudath Israel of Ohio Benefits & Referral Center A division of Agudath Israel of Ohio
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Health Coverage

Medicaid

Free or very low-cost health coverage for Ohio adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level — with retroactive coverage up to 3 months.

Information last reviewed July 2026

What it is

Medicaid is government-funded health care coverage for low-income and medically vulnerable people. Eligible Cuyahoga County residents are entitled to medical services at no or low cost.

Two things many families don’t know:

  • Medicaid can be applied retroactively for up to 3 months — recent medical bills may still be coverable.
  • Medicaid counts only taxable income, unlike most benefit programs which use gross income. Families who “make too much” on paper often still qualify.

After approval

Once approved, you pick an MCP (managed care plan). The plan choice affects which doctors and pharmacies you can use — we’ll help you compare before you commit.

How Gesher helps

We prepare and submit the application, track the county’s 30-day response clock, help with renewals every year, and intervene through our county contacts when coverage is wrongly cut off.

Official resources

Not sure where to start? Start with us.

One conversation with a case manager can uncover programs you never knew you qualified for. Free, confidential, and judgment-free.