New Ohio Website To Determine Medicaid Eligibility

Ohioans trying to determine whether they are eligible for Medicaid health coverage can soon go to a new state website instead of visiting a county office. The online access comes as the state replaces an outdated computer system known for rejecting eligible people from the Medicaid program and accepting others who don't meet the criteria. The website, benefits.ohio.gov , will go live Oct. 1. That's the same day consumers also can get private health insurance, subsidized by the federal government, through the new health insurance exchange created by President Barack Obama's health care law. Coverage in the exchange takes effect in January. State officials said Monday that Ohio's new website should send users to the exchange, if they aren't eligible for Medicaid. Though they cautioned that transfer hasn't yet been tested.