Health and Mental Health

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Taking care of your body and your mind is never selfish. It's how you keep going for yourself and the people who love you. I'm so glad you're here.

Here is the easy first step: if you need a doctor and money is tight, look up a community health center near you. They see people even if they can't pay. And if you're hurting inside right now, you can call or text 988 any time.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise care, coverage or a spot in any program.
• This guide is not medical advice. For questions about your health, talk with a doctor or nurse.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

Where can I see a doctor if I don't have insurance?

Community health centers are a great place to start. HRSA, the federal agency that funds them, says health centers are local clinics that treat medical, dental, mental health, substance use and other needs.

All health centers adjust their fees based on income and family size, and they must serve everyone, even if you can't pay. Many have discounted pharmacies and can help with rides.

The Find a Health Center tool from HRSA shows centers near you by city, ZIP code or address.

Sources: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/about-health-center-program/what-health-center and https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

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Your county health department can help

If you don't know where to start, dial 211 and ask for a community clinic or your county health department near you. They can tell you what's close by. Easy peasy!

How do I apply for Medicaid in Ohio?

The Ohio Department of Medicaid says people who may qualify include people with low income, pregnant women, infants and children, older adults, and people with disabilities. You also need to be an Ohio resident, have or get a Social Security number, meet the financial rules, and be a U.S. citizen or meet Medicaid's rules for noncitizens.

• Even if you aren't sure you qualify, Ohio Medicaid says you should still apply.
• Apply online through Ohio Benefits, in person or by mail at your county Job and Family Services office, or by phone through the Consumer Hotline.
• The Consumer Hotline is 1.800.324.8680, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 8 pm, and Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm, Eastern time. Its website also lets you compare Medicaid health plans.
• An adult you trust, 18 or older, can be your authorized representative and apply for you, if you give a written statement naming them.

Sources: https://medicaid.ohio.gov/families-and-individuals/coverage/who-qualifies and https://medicaid.ohio.gov/families-and-individuals/coverage/01-how-to-apply and https://www.ohiomh.com/home/contactus

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://medicaid.ohio.gov/families-and-individuals/coverage/01-how-to-apply

What changes to Medicaid should I know about?

Federal changes are changing Medicaid in Ohio. Here is what Ohio says, as of October 18, 2026.

• Noncitizen rules changed on October 1, 2026. Ohio Medicaid says it now gives full Medicaid to U.S. citizens and nationals, green card holders (lawful permanent residents), Cuban and Haitian entrants, and COFA citizens, with some waiting periods. Lawfully residing children and pregnant women, including women after giving birth, can still qualify. Other noncitizens may get emergency coverage, called Non Citizen Emergency Medical Assistance. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://medicaid.ohio.gov/families-and-individuals/coverage/who-qualifies
• Franklin County Public Health also says people who lost eligibility may be able to get emergency coverage and can look at private coverage on HealthCare.gov. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/OHFRANKCO/bulletins/42da15a
• Work and community engagement, starting January 1, 2027. Ohio Medicaid says some adults ages 19 to 64 who have Medicaid because of low income (called Group VIII) will need to show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training or community service, or earn at least $580 a month, unless they're exempt. Exemptions include people who are pregnant or postpartum, parents or caregivers of a child 13 or under or a person with a disability, people who are medically frail, people in drug or alcohol treatment, and others.
• Renewals for this group will happen every six months. Ohio Medicaid says it will first try to check your information on its own, and will send a request if it needs more.
• You can see if you're in Group VIII on the "View My Benefits" page of your Ohio Benefits account, or on a recent notice.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/medicaid.ohio.gov/Families,%20Individuals/Programs/Community/Group_VIII_Partner_Packet_08132026.pdf

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Not sure where you stand?

If a letter about your coverage is confusing, call the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline at 1.800.324.8680, or ask a legal aid office (see Guide 13). You don't have to figure it out alone.

What about health coverage for kids and moms?

• Pregnant women, infants and children are named in Ohio Medicaid's list of people who may qualify. Ohio Medicaid says to apply even if you're not sure your family will qualify.
• Pregnant women and children who are lawfully residing in the U.S. can still get Medicaid under the new noncitizen rules.
• WIC also helps pregnant women, new moms and kids under 5 with healthy food and nutrition help. See Guide 4.
• Apply the same way, through Ohio Benefits, your county JFS office, or 1.800.324.8680.

Sources: https://medicaid.ohio.gov/families-and-individuals/coverage/who-qualifies

Asking for help with your health is one of the bravest, smartest things you can do. Your health matters, friend.

From the Bunklow team

Where can I get help for mental health?

If you're feeling down, anxious, or overwhelmed, you don't have to carry it alone.

• In a crisis, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. It's at no cost, private and open 24/7, for you or for someone you love.
• The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health has a Find a Provider page, and says Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) are available to all youth and families in Ohio, including birth, kinship, foster and adoptive families.
• Every Ohio county has a local board for mental health and addiction services. Many run their own crisis and support lines. Some are in the county list later in this guide.
• You can also dial 211, and community health centers often have counseling too.

Sources: https://988lifeline.org/ and https://mha.ohio.gov/get-help/get-help-now

Where can I get help for alcohol or drug use?

• SAMHSA's National Helpline is at no cost, private and open 24/7, 365 days a year, in English and Spanish. It can point you to treatment and support groups. Call 800.662.4357 (TTY 800.487.4889).
• You can also search for treatment near you at findtreatment.gov.
• Your county's mental health and addiction board can connect you to local treatment. In Summit County, for example, the ADM Board has an Addiction Helpline at 330.940.1133.
• A community health center can also help you find care near you.

Sources: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline and https://admboard.org/

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Write your questions down

Before a visit, jot down your questions and any medicines you take. It's so easy to forget once you're in the room. A little list goes a long way!

Can I buy health insurance if I don't get Medicaid?

Ohio uses the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov.

• HealthCare.gov says open enrollment starts November 1. You can check if you qualify for savings that lower your costs.
• Call 1.800.318.2596 for help, or use the Find Local Help tool on HealthCare.gov to find no cost help with enrolling near you.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.healthcare.gov/

Questions people ask a lot

Sources: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/about-health-center-program/what-health-center and https://medicaid.ohio.gov/families-and-individuals/coverage/who-qualifies and https://988lifeline.org/ and https://mha.ohio.gov/get-help/get-help-now and https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/medicaid.ohio.gov/Families,%20Individuals/Programs/Community/Group_VIII_Partner_Packet_08132026.pdf and https://www.ohiomh.com/home/contactus

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Your health matters

Taking one step for your health today is a big deal. I'm proud of you, and I'm happy you're here!

Who can I call in my county?

Here are health departments, clinics and crisis lines near you. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Ohio

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Franklin County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Cuyahoga County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Hamilton County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Summit County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Montgomery County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Lucas County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Stark County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My health plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Take good care of you. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 18, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax, medical or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 18, 2026