Ohio Benefit Bank

You can get your Federal Income Tax filed FREE through the Ohio Benefit Bank.
Click here for the information.

Did You Know?: Ohio Benefit Bank is available for children, seniors and families.

For Ohio's children, you may be eligible for programs and tax credits, such as: Child Care Subsidies, Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Credit, USDA Child Nutrition Programs, WIC Benefits, or Health Coverage.

For Ohio's Seniors, you can find out if you are eligible for: Medicare Rx Extra Help, Senior Community Service Employement Program, Golden Buckeye, or Medicare Savings Program.

For Ohio's Families, you can find out in minutes if you qualify for: Food Assistance (Food Stamps) Program, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP); Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA), Health Coverage, or Cash Assistance.

Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department has individuals trained to help you estimate your eligibility and apply for benefits. Please contact us at 419-774-4700 and schedule a one-on-one consultation and find out how Ohio Benefit Bank can assist you.

This link will take you to a page for more information and links on how the program works: http://www.ohiobenefits.org

TEMPORARY HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR UNINSURED

As you may be aware, the new federal health care reform law requires states to set up a temporary health insurance program – or “high-risk pool” – for uninsured people with preexisting health conditions, including several mental illnesses. This program will last until 2014, when full federal reforms will take effect. Ohio has designated Medical Mutual of Ohio as the non-profit entity to administer the high-risk pool program for the state.

Beginning August 1, 2010, applications will be available to download and print out at www.ohiohighriskpool.com, or consumers can call 1-877-730-1117 beginning August 2 to request a written application form and instructions. Hard copy application packets will also be available at the One-Stop and Benefit Bank sites across the state. Applicants must include a check for the first month’s payment. The amount of the payment can be obtained at www.ohiohighriskpool.com or by calling 1-877-730-1117 on or after August 2nd.

It is important to note that there are only sufficient funds to cover approximately 5,500 Ohioans and it is estimated that five times as many people are eligible. This means that applications will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

To learn more about the program, the Ohio Department of Insurance has issued a list of Frequently Asked Questions. These can be viewed, by clicking here: www.insurance.ohio.gov/Documents/07-22-10HighRiskPoolFAQs.pdf