More low-income Ohioans are now eligible for Medicaid coverage.

Experts predict about 42,000 Hamilton County residents are newly eligible. That is on top of HCJFS's current caseload, which totals more than 175,000 county residents. That is approximately one out of every four people in this county.

Now, families can earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level and still be eligible for Medicaid. This will affect primarily adults without children who may have been disqualified previously.

Gross monthly income is used to determine eligibility. See the chart below to determine if you might qualify for Medicaid under expansion based on your household size and income.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for benefits is at www.benefits.ohio.gov. Consumers will be asked to answer a series of questions and then be directed to apply under the current Medicaid rules, the new expanded rules or, if their income is too high for both, the Federally Facilitated Health Insurance Marketplace.

If you are unable to apply online, please visit hcjfs.org/MedicaidExpansion.htm for other options.

To learn more, visit www.healthcare.gov or www.benefits.ohio.gov or call the Medicaid Consumer Hotline at 1-800-324-8680. Representatives are available to answer questions related to eligibility for Medicaid due to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Expansion.