Medicaid is the government-funded nationwide health protection program that provides emergency, acute and long-term health care to low-income Americans who would otherwise be unable to afford health insurance. Funding comes from both the state and federal governments, and each state administers its own Medicaid program in accordance with guidelines established by the federal government. In Ohio, a Medicaid expansion state, approximately 22% of residents are covered under Medicaid, and 74% of seniors and people with disabilities meet the financial criteria for free Medicaid enrollment. To qualify for no-cost Medicaid in Ohio, seniors 65 and older can earn up to $2,313 per month ($4,626 for a couple), which is three times the current Social Security Federal Payment Standard. Income from wages, pensions, alimony and small business revenues are considered, as is any money seniors make from investments such as stocks or bonds. Medicaid applicants must also own no more than $2,000 worth of countable assets ($3,000 per couple), which includes all cash on hand, bank account balances and real estate. Some items are considered exempt, including a home that is the principal residence of the applicant(s) and worth no more than $585,000, one vehicle, clothing, jewelry and household goods. MyCare Ohio Lucas County is one of 29 counties in Ohio that participates in the MyCare Ohio plan, a free, comprehensive managed-care program for seniors who are either eligible for, or covered by, both Medicaid and Medicare. Using a team-based approach, the MCOP provides seniors with access to all of the benefits of both Medicaid and Medicare, including long-term care services such as assisted living. Seniors may also receive personal care services, transportation assistance, home meal delivery, durable medical equipment and other help deemed to be medically necessary. The goal of the MCOP is to help seniors live safely in the least intrusive setting while avoiding or delaying nursing home placement. Enrollment in the MCOP is mandatory for dual-eligible residents of Lucas County, and unlike Medicaid waivers, there are no waiting lists or enrollment caps on the MCOP. For more information on Ohio Medicaid and the MCOP, contact the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline at (800) 324-8680.