Ohio Medicare Savings Program 2026: MPAP Income Limits & How to Apply

What Is the Medicare Savings Program Called in Ohio?

Ohio usually refers to its Medicare Savings Program as the Medicare Premium Assistance Program, or MPAP. The current Ohio Medicaid application uses the plural name Medicare Premium Assistance Programs.

MPAP is administered through the Ohio Department of Medicaid and local County Departments of Job and Family Services.

Ohio may evaluate an applicant for four federal Medicare Savings Program categories:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, or QMB
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary, or SLMB
• Qualifying Individual, or QI
• Qualified Disabled and Working Individual, or QDWI

You do not normally need to decide which category fits before applying. Report your Medicare coverage, income, resources and household information accurately. Ohio determines which program, if any, applies.

For a basic program explanation, see our guide to what a Medicare Savings Program is. You can also use the Medicare Savings Programs information center.

Ohio Medicare Savings Program Income Limits for 2026

The following figures are the federal 2026 screening limits published by Medicare. Ohio makes the final decision after calculating countable income and resources under applicable program rules.

Report gross income when the application asks for gross amounts. Do not subtract the standard income disregard or Medicare premiums yourself unless the form specifically requests a net figure.

Review the official Medicare Savings Program limits for 2026.

Our separate guide explains how MSP income limits and countable-income rules work.

What Resources May Ohio Count?

The ODM 07216 Appendix E asks MPAP applicants to report resources belonging to the applicant and, when married, the applicant’s spouse.

Requested resources may include:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit
• Cash and uncashed funds
• Stocks, bonds and mutual funds
• Retirement accounts
• Annuities
• Life-insurance policies
• Burial funds and prepaid burial contracts
• Trusts and promissory notes
• Real estate and property agreements
• Vehicles and other personal property

The principal home, one vehicle and certain personal or burial property may be excluded under applicable MSP rules. Report all requested property and allow the county to determine what counts.

For additional guidance, read our Medicare Savings Program resource limits guide.

What Does Ohio MPAP Pay?

QMB Offers the Broadest Protection

QMB may pay:

• The Medicare Part B premium
• The Medicare Part A premium when the beneficiary owes one
• Part A and Part B deductibles
• Medicare coinsurance
• Medicare copayments for Medicare-covered services and items

Medicare providers and suppliers generally may not bill a QMB member for Medicare Part A or Part B cost-sharing on Medicare-covered services.

If you receive an improper bill:

1. Confirm that QMB was active on the service date.
2. Compare the bill with the Medicare Summary Notice.
3. Show the billing office proof of QMB status.
4. Ask the provider to remove prohibited Medicare cost-sharing.
5. Contact OSHIIP or 1-800-MEDICARE if the billing continues.

If prohibited cost-sharing was already paid, ask the provider whether a refund is due.

See our detailed QMB Medicare Savings Program guide.

SLMB and QI Focus on the Part B Premium

SLMB and QI generally pay the Medicare Part B premium. They do not normally cover Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or copayments.

QI must be renewed each year. States approve QI applications according to available funding, with priority generally given to people who received QI during the prior year.

A person generally cannot receive QI while receiving other full Medicaid coverage, although another MSP or Medicaid eligibility category may apply.

QDWI Is a Specialized Program

QDWI may pay the Part A premium for a person who:

• Has a qualifying disability
• Is working
• Lost Social Security disability cash benefits and premium-free Part A because of returning to work
• Meets the applicable income and resource rules
• Meets the other QDWI requirements

QDWI income calculations can differ significantly from ordinary QMB, SLMB and QI screening because earned-income exclusions may apply.

Our Medicare Savings Program types comparison explains all four categories.

How Much Could Ohio MPAP Save?

The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026.

If MPAP pays the full standard premium for 12 covered months, the potential premium assistance equals:

• $202.90 per month
• $2,434.80 over 12 months

The actual benefit depends on the premium owed, the approved effective date and whether a late-enrollment penalty or income-related adjustment applies.

CMS lists current Medicare costs in its 2026 Medicare Parts A and B premium fact sheet.

The yearly figure is potential assistance, not a guaranteed payment or refund.

How to Apply for the Medicare Savings Program in Ohio

Ohio accepts MPAP requests through the state’s medical-assistance application system.

You may:

1. Apply online through Ohio Benefits
2. Complete the ODM 07216 paper application
3. Mail the signed application to the county JFS office
4. Fax it when the county confirms that fax submission is accepted
5. Deliver it in person or through an approved county drop box
6. Call an official Ohio number for application assistance

Option 1: Apply Online Through Ohio Benefits

Use the official Ohio Benefits portal.

The portal is used for Ohio medical-assistance applications. The exact screen labels may change, but applicants should start a medical-assistance or health-coverage application and clearly report that they have Medicare.

Step 1: Sign In or Create Access

Follow the portal’s current instructions to sign in, create an account or begin an application.

Keep the email address, username, password and security information in a safe place.

Step 2: Report Medicare Coverage

Enter the information shown on the Medicare card, including:

• Medicare number
• Part A enrollment
• Part B enrollment
• Coverage start dates when requested
• Other health insurance

Clearly reporting Medicare coverage helps Ohio identify the application for MPAP screening.

Step 3: Report Income

Report every requested income source, including:

• Social Security retirement or disability benefits
• Supplemental Security Income when requested
• Railroad Retirement
• Veterans benefits
• Pensions and annuities
• Retirement-account distributions
• Employment earnings
• Self-employment income
• Workers’ compensation
• Other regular payments

Use the amount requested by the application. A Social Security bank deposit can be lower than the gross benefit because Medicare premiums or other deductions were taken out.

Step 4: Report Resources

The portal may ask about:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit
• Stocks, bonds and mutual funds
• Retirement accounts
• Annuities and trusts
• Property other than the principal home
• Cash and jointly owned accounts
• Vehicles and other requested property

Explain jointly owned accounts, disputed ownership or money belonging to another person when submitting supporting records.

Step 5: Upload Documents

Common documents may include:

• Medicare card
• Social Security benefit documentation
• Pension or annuity statements
• Recent pay stubs
• Complete bank statements
• Investment and retirement-account statements
• Proof of Ohio residence
• Other health-insurance information
• Authorized-representative documents

Upload every page of a requested statement. Pages containing only account numbers, statement periods or disclosures may still be needed.

Step 6: Review and Submit

Check Medicare information, names, income figures, account balances and uploaded records before signing.

Save or print:

• The confirmation page
• The application number
• The submission date
• The list of uploaded documents

Continue checking Ohio Benefits and postal mail for verification requests.

Option 2: Apply With the Ohio MPAP Paper Application

The current official paper form is:

The current official PDF is marked ODM 07216, Revision 11/2025.

Download the official Ohio ODM 07216 application.

Do not use an older MPAP-only application found on an unofficial website when the current Ohio Medicaid form is available.

Complete the Main ODM 07216 Sections

The main application asks for information about:

• Applicant name and contact details
• Home and mailing addresses
• Household and spouse information
• Social Security numbers when required
• Citizenship or eligible immigration information
• Employment and self-employment
• Other current income
• Health coverage and Medicare information
• Tax-household information
• Authorized-representative information

Complete Appendix E for MPAP

Appendix E is required when someone is applying for help paying Medicare premiums.

It asks for:

• The applicant’s Medicare number
• Additional income such as SSI, veterans benefits and workers’ compensation
• Applicant and spouse financial resources
• Bank and retirement accounts
• Annuities, life insurance and burial arrangements
• Trusts and other financial agreements
• Real property
• Vehicles and personal property
• Resources sold, traded or given away when requested
• Medical, Medicare, housing and utility expenses

Complete Appendix E as fully as possible. Missing it can prevent the county from having the resource and Medicare information needed for an MPAP decision.

Do Not Delay the Application Because One Document Is Missing

The official form states that applicants should sign and submit the application even when they do not yet have all requested information.

Submitting the signed application can protect the filing date. The county may later send a notice identifying the additional verification required.

This does not mean documents can be ignored. Respond to every county request by its deadline.

Using an Authorized Representative

An applicant may choose a trusted person to help with the application.

Appendix C allows an authorized representative to perform selected actions, such as:

• Help complete an application or renewal
• Provide verification documents
• Receive and respond to correspondence
• Discuss financial or medical information when properly authorized
• Represent the applicant at a state hearing when authorized

When a legally appointed guardian or representative applies, include proof of authority.

Documents to Prepare for Ohio MPAP

The county may verify some information electronically. The exact document request depends on what is reported and what Ohio can confirm.

Medicare, Identity and Residence Records

• Medicare card
• Social Security number or requested verification
• Photo identification when requested
• Proof of Ohio residence
• Citizenship or immigration documentation when applicable
• Other health-insurance information

Income Records

• Social Security benefit statement
• Pension or annuity statement
• Railroad Retirement documentation
• Veterans-benefit documentation
• Recent pay stubs
• Self-employment income and expense records
• Workers’ compensation or disability records
• Proof of other regular income

Resource Records

• Complete checking and savings statements
• Certificates of deposit
• Investment-account statements
• Retirement-account statements
• Annuity and trust records
• Life-insurance information
• Burial-fund or prepaid-burial records
• Information about real property
• Vehicle information when requested

Send readable copies unless the county specifically requests an original or certified document. Do not mail your only Medicare card, Social Security card, passport or financial record.

Keep copies of:

• The signed application
• Appendix E
• Appendix C when used
• Every supporting document
• Upload confirmations
• Mail or fax receipts
• County notices
• Notes from telephone calls

Where to Mail the Ohio MPAP Application

Ohio does not use one statewide mailing address for all ODM 07216 applications.

Send the completed and signed application to the County Department of Job and Family Services serving the county where you live.

Use the official Ohio Local Agencies Directory.

A county listing may provide:

• Mailing address
• Physical office address
• Telephone number
• Fax number
• Office hours
• County benefits website

Confirm the current address before mailing sensitive personal or financial information.

Before Mailing

• Keep a copy of the signed form
• Confirm that MPAP is selected
• Confirm that Appendix E is included
• Copy every supporting document
• Write the applicant’s name or case number on extra sheets
• Consider using trackable mail
• Keep the mailing receipt

Do not send the application to a general Ohio Medicaid headquarters address unless your county or a current official notice specifically directs you to do so.

Can You Fax an Ohio MPAP Application?

Some county JFS offices may accept medical-assistance applications by fax. Fax numbers and procedures can vary.

Before faxing:

1. Locate the county office in the official directory.
2. Call and confirm the current fax number.
3. Ask whether a new ODM 07216 application may be faxed.
4. Ask whether all supporting documents should be included.
5. Use a cover sheet with the applicant’s identifying information permitted by the county.
6. Keep the fax transmission confirmation.
7. Confirm receipt with the county.

Can You Submit the Application in Person?

You may deliver the application to the local County Department of Job and Family Services.

Before visiting, confirm:

• Current office hours
• Whether an appointment is required
• Where applications are accepted
• Whether a secure drop box is available
• Whether staff can copy documents

Ask for a dated receipt or stamped copy of the first application page.

How to Get Ohio MPAP Application Help by Phone

The current ODM 07216 form lists:

When calling, say:

The representative may help explain:

• How to begin an application
• Which current paper form to use
• How to locate the county JFS office
• How to submit requested documents
• How to follow up on an existing case

The official form clearly provides telephone assistance. Whether the entire application can be completed by telephone may depend on the current Ohio process and the applicant’s circumstances. Confirm this when calling rather than assuming a telephone inquiry alone creates an application.

What Happens After You Apply?

The county reviews the application and may verify:

• Medicare status
• Ohio residence
• Citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Countable income
• Countable resources
• Spouse and household information
• Program-specific requirements

A county may request a missing statement, updated income proof, an explanation of a deposit, proof of ownership or another document.

Respond by the deadline printed on the notice. If a document cannot be obtained in time, contact the county before the deadline and ask whether another form of verification can be accepted.

How Long May Processing Take?

The current ODM 07216 form instructs applicants to call 1-844-640-OHIO if they do not hear from Ohio within 45 days.

This does not guarantee that every application will be decided by day 45. Missing verification or unresolved eligibility questions may delay the decision.

How to Check the Application

You may check the case by:

• Signing in to Ohio Benefits
• Contacting the County Department of Job and Family Services
• Calling the application Help Desk
• Calling the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline for appropriate assistance

Keep the application number, submission date, receipts and notices nearby.

The Eligibility Notice

The notice should explain:

• Whether the application was approved or denied
• Which MPAP category was approved
• The effective date
• Whether broader Medicaid coverage was approved
• Renewal or reporting requirements
• Hearing rights if the applicant disagrees

When Will the Part B Deduction Stop?

After QMB, SLMB or QI approval, Ohio sends eligibility information to federal Medicare systems.

The Part B premium may continue to be deducted temporarily while Ohio, Medicare and Social Security update their records.

Keep the approval notice and review:

• The approved category
• The effective date
• Future Social Security payments
• Medicare premium bills
• Any premium-adjustment or refund notice

Contact the county if deductions continue beyond the period shown on the approval notice. Do not immediately submit a duplicate application unless Ohio instructs you to do so.

Can Ohio MPAP Cover Earlier Months?

ODM 07216 asks whether an applicant wants help with medical bills from the previous three months. That question applies to the broad range of health-coverage programs covered by the form.

Do not assume it guarantees retroactive MPAP coverage.

QMB generally begins prospectively. SLMB, QI or another applicable category may permit assistance for earlier eligible months under federal and state rules.

The county may require income and resource proof for each month. The approval notice controls the program and effective date.

Extra Help With Prescription Drug Costs

People approved for QMB, SLMB or QI generally receive automatic eligibility for Medicare Extra Help with Part D prescription costs.

Extra Help may reduce:

• Part D plan premiums
• The Part D deductible
• Prescription copayments
• Coinsurance for covered medications
• The Part D late-enrollment penalty while Extra Help remains active

Medicare states that QMB, SLMB and QI beneficiaries pay no more than $12.65 in 2026 for each covered drug. Some beneficiaries may pay lower amounts.

Review the official Medicare Extra Help information.

Does Ohio MPAP Need to Be Renewed?

Yes. Ohio reviews continuing eligibility, and QI must be renewed each year.

The county may use available records or request updated:

• Income information
• Bank and investment statements
• Household or spouse information
• Medicare information
• Residence information
• Signatures or authorization documents

Keep your mailing address and telephone number current. Read every county and Ohio Medicaid notice.

Use our Medicare Savings Program renewal guide.

What to Do if Ohio Denies the MPAP Application

Read the eligibility notice before submitting another application.

Check whether the denial involved:

• Income calculated above the limit
• Resources calculated above the limit
• A resource that may have been classified incorrectly
• Missing Appendix E
• Missing income or bank records
• An unsigned application
• Incorrect Medicare information
• A missed verification deadline
• Review under the wrong eligibility category

Contact the county and ask whether the case can be corrected. Send missing or updated records and keep proof of submission.

If you disagree with the final decision, follow the state-hearing instructions and deadline printed on the notice.

Do not assume that calling the county or filing a new application automatically requests a hearing or preserves the appeal deadline.

Our guide on what to do when a Medicare Savings Program application is denied provides a review checklist.

Where to Get Free Ohio MPAP Help

OSHIIP Medicare Counseling

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, or OSHIIP, provides free and objective Medicare counseling.

OSHIIP counselors may help explain:

• QMB, SLMB, QI and QDWI
• MPAP application preparation
• Medicare Part D Extra Help
• QMB billing protection
• Medicare notices
• Medicare Advantage and Medigap coordination

OSHIIP can provide guidance, but the county JFS office makes the official MPAP eligibility decision.

Ohio and New Jersey Use Different MSP Application Systems

The MSP categories are federal, but states use different applications, portals and terminology.

Ohio uses MPAP terminology, Ohio Benefits, ODM 07216 and county JFS offices. New Jersey uses NJSave for QMB, SLMB and QI applications.

For the latest state article in this series, read New Jersey Medicare Savings Program 2026 NJSave application guidance.

Final Ohio MPAP Application Checklist

Ohio Medicare Savings Program FAQs

What is the Medicare Savings Program called in Ohio?

Ohio generally calls it the Medicare Premium Assistance Program, or MPAP. The official application uses the name Medicare Premium Assistance Programs.

Which paper application should I use?

Use the current ODM 07216 Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs. Select Medicare Premium Assistance Programs and complete Appendix E.

Do I need a separate application for QMB, SLMB or QI?

No. Submit one Ohio medical-assistance application and report your Medicare, income and resource information. Ohio determines which MPAP category may apply.

Do MPAP applicants need to complete Appendix E?

Yes. ODM 07216 instructs applicants seeking Medicare Premium Assistance Programs to complete Appendix E for aged, blind or disabled Medicaid categories.

What should I select when applying online?

Start an Ohio medical-assistance or health-coverage application and clearly report that you have Medicare. Complete all income and resource questions presented by the portal.

Where do I mail ODM 07216?

Mail the signed application to the County Department of Job and Family Services serving the county where you live. Ohio does not use one statewide mailing address for all MPAP applications.

Can I fax the application?

Some county JFS offices may accept applications by fax. Confirm the current fax number, whether new applications are accepted and which supporting documents should be included.

Should I wait until I have every document?

No. The current form says to sign and submit the application even if all requested information is not yet available. Respond promptly when the county later requests verification.

Can someone help me apply?

Yes. A trusted person or legally appointed representative may help. Complete Appendix C and include proof of legal authority when required.

Can I apply if my income is slightly above the limit?

Yes. States may exclude certain income or resources. Submit accurate information and let the county perform the official countable-income calculation.

How long should I wait before following up?

ODM 07216 instructs applicants to call 1-844-640-OHIO if they do not hear from Ohio within 45 days. Missing verification may still affect processing time.

Will the Part B deduction stop immediately?

Not always. Ohio, Medicare and Social Security must update their records. Keep the approval notice and contact the county if deductions continue beyond the approved period.

Does MPAP approval include Extra Help?

QMB, SLMB and QI approval generally provides automatic eligibility for Medicare Extra Help with Part D prescription costs.

Does Ohio MPAP need to be renewed?

Yes. Ohio reviews continuing eligibility, and QI must be renewed each year. Respond to renewal notices and requests for updated information.

Apply Through the Method That Works for You

You do not need to understand every MPAP rule before applying. Submit accurate information, select Medicare Premium Assistance Programs and complete Appendix E.

Apply online through Ohio Benefits or submit the current ODM 07216 form to the County Department of Job and Family Services where you live.

Keep proof of submission and respond promptly when the county requests more information.