Beginning October 1, 2013, Ohioans seeking to determine whether they are eligible for Medicaid coverage can visit benefits.ohio.gov instead of scheduling an in-person visit at their local Job and Family Services office.

The state hopes that this new online system will increase the speed and accuracy with which Medicaid eligibility is determined. Through this online system, individuals who are deemed ineligible for Medicaid benefits will then be directed to the federal government’s private health insurance exchange options, which go into effect on January 1, 2014.