Economic Resources for Individuals and Families
Ohioans are facing new financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and state agencies have a number of programs and policies in place to help them weather the storm. Here, individuals and families will find links to local, state, and federal resources and information on unemployment assistance, health insurance relief, school meals, and more.
The links here will connect you with unemployment resources, health insurance relief, school meals and more.
Access Entrepreneurship and Business Assistance Centers
Resources for starting or maintaining a small business in Ohio: https://development.ohio.gov/bs/bs_entrepreneurship.htm
Access to Coverage During COVID-19 Emergency
The Ohio Department of Insurance has requested that certain insurance companies ensure that members have access to needed healthcare services to test for and treat COVID-19. Specifically, health insurers have been asked to relax certain review measures, such as prior authorizations; allow longer prescription drug fills; encourage use of telehealth where possible; and be aware of their obligations under Ohio law for claim appeals and review.
https://insurance.ohio.govstatic/Legal/Bulletins/Documents/2020-02_COVID-19.pdf
Assistance for Lost Insurance Coverage
Those who do lose insurance coverage, are eligible for a special enrollment period to gain new coverage. Premium subsidies may be available for those who qualify by purchasing plans on the federal exchange.
https://insurance.ohio.gov/static/Legal/Bulletins/Documents/2020-03.pdf
Auto Insurance and Expired Driver Licenses
As a result of the closure of Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles deputy registrar locations, some insured Ohioans will be unable to timely renew their driver licenses. Insurers have been notified that they must not cancel, non-renew, or refuse to issue an auto insurance policy, or deny a claim, solely because the driver license of the policy holder or other covered family member has expired.
https://insurance.ohio.gov/static/Legal/Bulletins/Documents/2020-06.pdf
Coverage of COVID-19 Testing and Treatment
The Ohio Department of Insurance has defined testing and treatment related to the COVID-19 virus as an emergency medical condition under Ohio law. Such services must be covered without preauthorization at the highest level among three rates: in-network, out-of-network, or Medicare. Health Insurance Corporations (HICs or HMOs) are required to pay for COVID-19 testing with no balance bill. Consumers with other health plans may receive an out-of-network bill that the insurer is not required to pay. If consumers receive bills for testing and treatment of COVID-19, they should reach out to the Ohio Department of Insurance at [insurance.ohio.gov]insurance.ohio.gov to ensure claims are being processed according to guidance.
https://insurance.ohio.gov/static/Legal/Bulletins/Documents/2020-05.pdf
Existing DSA Programs
Access existing programs to find local non-profit resources available for those in need, to help maintain your small business, and reduce energy costs to your home.
https://development.ohio.gov/indvservices.htm
Find a Community Action Agency
Locally controlled private nonprofit organizations whose purpose is to reduce poverty and to help low-income people become self-sufficient: https://development.ohio.gov/cs/cs_caa.htm
Grants, Local Governments , and Nonprofits
The Ohio Grants Partnership
The Ohio Grants Partnership was created by the Ohio Office of Budget and Management to provide support to Ohio’s grant management community. This site is intended to be utilized as a resource for state agencies and subrecipients of the state to access training, best practice resources, funding opportunities, guidance, and links to other beneficial grants information. The site also provides information on specific COVID-19 funding opportunities and related grant information and training.
Homeowner Information
Frequently Asked Questions for Homeowners
In demand jobs during the pandemic
- Resources for Economic Support
The Office of Small Business Relief (OSBR) is focused on identifying and providing direct support to the state's nearly 950,000 small businesses to help during the current public health crisis and to position them for a span rebound. https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/businesshelp
- Many parts of our society are experiencing high demand during this pandemic and are seeking more employees; find available jobs now: https://jobseeker.ohiomeansjobs.monster.com/Account/UCClaimantsOverview.aspx
Injured worker temporary telehealth policy
Learn how the BWC is initiating temporary policy changes that will allow flexibility in the provision of care to injured workers: https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/downloads/blankpdf/PolicyAlert-TempTeleHealthCOVID-19.pdf
Keep Ohio Connected (internet service availability)
Learn what Internet Service providers are doing to keep Ohioans connected, including keeping service turned on during the pandemic and waiving late fees:
https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/dewine-husted-praise-internet-providers-for-commitment-to-keep-americans-connected-pledge
Learn about Energy Assistance Programs
Learn how to manage your home energy costs: https://development.ohio.gov/is/is_energyassist.htm
Maintaining Healthcare Coverage for Your Family
Health insurers must allow employers to continue covering employees, even if the employee would otherwise become ineligible because of a decrease in hours worked per week. We know employees may be working a significantly reduced schedule right now, through no fault of their own, and we want to make sure they continue to have access to their health insurance if it’s feasible for the employer at this time.
https://insurance.ohio.gov/static/Legal/Bulletins/Documents/2020-03.pdf
Medicaid provisions for uninsured
Learn about how to qualify for Medicaid coverage:
https://medicaid.ohio.gov/FOR-OHIOANS/Who-Qualifie
Ohio Food Assistance Program
Ohioans enrolled in the Ohio Food Assistance Program (federally known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP) can now shop online and receive their items in a car pick-up line at a grocery store if they choose. Enrollees can still go into a grocery store to pay and pick-up their groceries. All SNAP-eligible households are also now able to pick up a prepackaged box of food at their local food bank or distribution site (some with drive-by pick-up).
Some individuals will receive additional support in April. Those who did not already receive the maximum monthly allotment for their household size in March will be issued an additional payment. Households not currently receiving the maximum allotment will receive additional benefits in April to bring their household’s payment up to the maximum. Households already receiving the maximum benefit will not receive additional benefits. All new applications authorized in April also will receive the maximum allotment for their household size.
Ohio Public Libraries
All of Ohio’s public libraries have Wi-Fi available and can be accessed from the parking lot. You can find your nearest local library using the following link: https://oplin.org/fal/.
Property and Causality, Life, and Long-Term Care Premium Relief
Property and causality, life, and long-term care insurers must provide a grace period of at least 60 days for the payment of insurance premiums so that insurance policies are not initially cancelled for nonpayment of premium during the state of emergency. Insurers may do this by offering payment accommodations, such as allowing consumers to defer payments at no cost, extending payment due dates, or waiving late or reinstatement fees. Insurers are not required to waive any premiums and the insurer will be able to retroactively cancel the policy if premiums aren’t paid.
https://insurance.ohio.gov/static/Legal/Bulletins/Documents/2020-07.pdf
School meals
Decisions on how free breakfast and lunches are distributed to students is being made by each district. Contact your local district. You may find additional information here: http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Coronavirus
State Tax Filing and Payment Extensions
The deadline to file and pay state income tax without interest or penalty has been extended to July 15 for individual income tax, school district income tax, pass-through entity and fiduciary income tax, and municipal net profit taxpayers that have opted into the state’s centralized filing system. For full details on tax changes, visit https://www.tax.ohio.gov/Coronavirus.aspx.
Travel Insurance and COVID-19
Unless a specific exclusion applicable to COVID-19 applies, a travel insurance policy that covers sickness, accident, disability, or death occurring during travel must cover such risks related to COVID-19. Many travel insurance policies also must cover cancellation or interruption of a trip or event, emergency transportation and/or costs of returning to the United States for further treatment pursuant to the terms of the policy.
https://insurance.ohio.gov/static/Legal/Bulletins/Documents/2020-02_COVID-19.pdf
Unemployment
In an effort to streamline claims processing and expedite payment, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has implemented a new weekly claim filing process, starting on April 26, for Ohioans who have been approved to receive unemployment benefits. Individuals filing weekly claims should do so on the day of the week based on the first letter of their last name:
- A through H: Sunday
- I through P: Monday
- Q through Z: Tuesday
- All - Wednesday through Saturday.
Utility Assistance
Ohio has received an extension of the Winter Crisis Program through May 1, and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) through June 1. The Winter Crisis Program helps income-eligible Ohioans maintain their utility service, while HEAP provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their home energy bills through a one-time benefit applied directly to their bill. You can now also apply for these programs over the phone, instead of needing to appear in person. Visit EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov for more information or call 1 (800) 282-0880 to begin your application.
Wi-Fi HotSpots
BroadbandOhio, the state’s office dedicated to improving access to high-speed internet, has been working with providers to find public hotspot locations that Ohioans can use in areas where they may not otherwise have access to internet from home. Providers not currently listed that are offering public wi-fi hotspots are encouraged to email together@governor.ohio.gov with contact information, and a representative from BroadbandOhio will follow-up. Check out Wi-Fi hotspot locations in Ohio at https://innovateohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/innovate/news/news-and-events/04042020.