Healthy Start Fact Sheet
FREE Health Coverage for Kids & Pregnant Women

What is Healthy Start?
Healthy Start is an Ohio Medicaid program (SCHIP) which provides eligible Ohio children and pregnant women FREE comprehensive health coverage.

Who can get Healthy Start?
Healthy Start covers children (up to age 19) in families with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

The program also covers pregnant women (any age) in families with income at or below 200% of the FPL and certain children younger than age 21 aging out of the foster care system.

Pregnant women are eligible for Healthy Start coverage during the entire pregnancy and up to 60 days after the baby is born. Babies born to mothers on Healthy Start are automatically eligible for free health coverage for one full year from the date of birth.

What will it cost me?
Families meeting Healthy Start income guidelines can get coverage for free or at very low cost. Some services may have co-pays of $1 to $3.

What services are covered?
Ohioans who qualify for the Healthy Start program gain access to important services like:
• Doctor visits
• Prescriptions
• Pregnancy services
• Hospital care
• Immunizations
• Vision and dental care
• Substance abuse
• Mental health services and more

What about working families?
Working families can qualify. The family size and income will determine if the family is eligible for Healthy Start for the kids.

Can children have other health insurance and still qualify for Healthy Start?
Children in families whose income is between 150% and 200% of the FPL must be considered “uninsured” to be eligible for Healthy Start. Please note: Children in families with income below 150% FPL can have other health insurance and still qualify for Healthy Start.
See the chart at right to see if a child must be uninsured in order to qualify for Healthy Start.

How do I apply?
Please call 800-300-2937 ext. 2126 to schedule an appointment with a Catholic Social Services representative who will meet with you to discuss eligibility and assist you in the application process.

To complete an application for health coverage, applicants must have copies of the following documents:
• Proof of income
• Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
• Birth certificate (original document)
• Proof of other health insurance coverage (if applicable)

To maintain coverage, children must reapply every 12 months; families must reapply every 6 months. Families with income slightly higher than what is listed in the income charts above should still apply because a portion of certain monthly expenses will not be counted (e.g., child care, child support etc.).