Ohio’s Whole Child Framework explains that when students’ health needs are met they can fully engage in complex learning and social activities. Ohio offers programs and funding to support students’ health. This webpage includes information on programs available in Ohio to a-sist with medical coverage and provides links to information on financial a-sistance for services such as hearing aids, vision exams, eyewear and medication a-sistance programs available for Ohio’s children.
Ohio Law supports schools and districts through the Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid and Student Wellness and Success Funds. These allocations are provided to schools and districts to fund programs and activities that support the whole child such as: academic interventions, dropout prevention, mental and physical healthcare services, prevention education programs, wrap around services, mentoring and afterschool programs, programs geared toward homeless youth and those involved in the child welfare system, enhanced safety and security measures and improved family and community resource and engagement services.
One way schools and districts can utilize these funds is by hiring support staff trained in connecting families to those resources available in the community. A community liaison in the school setting serves as a link between the school/district’s families and local community organizations available to serve them. These individuals make a difference in the lives of others at the grassroots level, often working as an outreach coordinator to help families receive the services and supplies needed to keep their children healthy, safe and supported. The Ideas for Innovation to Support Student Wellness webpage highlights the work of schools and districts to support the needs of the whole child. Schools and districts can find examples of how others have used the funds to support student health through partnering with community organizations.
Ohio Healthy Start (federally known as Children's Health Insurance Program, CHIP) provides free or low-cost health insurance for families with children. This program is designed to provide increased access to health coverage for children in families with income too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private coverage.
The Health Insurance Marketplace helps individuals find health coverage that fits their needs and budget. Every health plan in the Marketplace offers the same set of essential health benefits, including doctor visits, preventive care, hospitalization, prescriptions, and more. Individuals and families can compare plans based on price, benefits, quality, and other features important to them before making a choice.
With one application, individuals can see if they qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or for savings on a Marketplace plan. Most people who apply will qualify for some kind of savings. Every person in the U.S. must have minimum health coverage or pay a fee.
Open Enrollment Period is the only time you can enroll in a Marketplace plan. Some people may qualify for Special Enrollment Periods, which allow them to enroll in a Marketplace plan outside of Open Enrollment if they have certain life events, like getting married, having a baby, or losing other coverage.