What it is
Medicaid is government-funded health care coverage for low-income and medically vulnerable people. Eligible Cuyahoga County residents are entitled to medical services at no or low cost.
Two things many families don’t know:
- Effective January 1st 2026 Medicaid will have work requirements for Able Bodied Adults (ABA).
- Medicaid counts income using tax rules (MAGI) with no asset test, unlike most benefit programs which use gross income — some income other programs count is excluded (though Social Security benefits count even when they aren’t taxable). Families who “make too much” on paper often still qualify.
After approval
Once approved, you pick an MCP (managed care plan). The plan choice affects which doctors and pharmacies you can use — we’ll help you navigate this process too.
How Gesher helps
We help families understand Medicaid eligibility rules, including the new work requirements for able-bodied adults, available exemptions, and the documentation needed to qualify for an exemption. We prepare and submit Medicaid applications, ensuring they are complete and meet county requirements to help avoid unnecessary delays. We also assist with Medicaid renewals every six months and are available to answer questions throughout the process.