Resources and FAQs - Medina County Job and Family Services

Resources

 

 

 

 

 

FAQs About Our Services

When it comes to accessing social services and public assistance, you probably have a lot of questions. The questions and answers provided below will help you become familiar with much of the information you need.

Medina County JFS Career Opportunities

Make a difference in the community by helping families build lives of security and independence. Check out the job openings and/or Requests for Proposals below; contact (330) 722-9300 or Toll free: 1 (800) 783-5070 for any questions. 

 

Protective Services Worker (Ongoing)

Child Care

Food

  • How do I report a lost or stolen SNAP card?

    To report a lost or stolen SNAP card, call 1-866-386-3071.

  • How can SNAP be used?

    Food assistance benefits are distributed electronically through the Ohio Direction Card, which is similar to a debit card. Benefits can be used to buy most food products. SNAP cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, medicine, hot food products that are made to be eaten immediately (including prepared food from grocery stores and restaurants), and non-food items.

  • Instacart Delivery and Service Fees w/EBT Card

    Unfortunately, you cannot pay Instacart delivery and service fees with an EBT card. According to SNAP guidelines, you can only buy eligible food items using your benefits. You need a secondary form of payment, such as a credit or debit card, to pay for Instacart delivery and service fees.

    SNAP guidelines are clear on what items can be purchased using the benefits. EBT cardholders can only buy eligible food items using an EBT card, and Instacart delivery and service fees are not covered with the benefits.

    Therefore, you need to add a credit or debit card to your Instacart account to pay for those additional charges.

Health & Pregnancy

  • Once I have my newborn how long will they be eligible for Medicaid?

    If an individual is receiving Medicaid while giving birth the newborn is considered a deemed newborn for Medicaid purposes and will be eligible to receive Medicaid for the first full 12-months of their life.

  • What is Healthchek?

    Healthchek is Ohio Medicaid’s child health benefit for children under age 21. The Federal name for this
    benefit is Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment services, or EPSDT. The purpose of Healthchek is to
    find and treat health problems early, so your child can have the best health and development possible. Healthchek is
    free and covers Healthchek exam (well child check-ups), hearing, vision and dental screenings to diagnose any health
    problems your child might have. It also covers medical and dental treatments and equipment that may be determined as
    medically necessary.

  • Is Healthchek different from Medicaid?

    No. Healthchek is the children’s health component of Medicaid for children under age 21.
    Under Healthchek, your child can receive medically necessary services or equipment that would be covered by federal
    Medicaid whether or not the service is covered by Ohio's Medicaid plan for adults. Also, your child can get more of a
    certain service than would be provided to adults. For example, a child could get more physical therapy than an adult
    would get if the added therapy is medically necessary for the child. Children also can get more dental care than adults.

  • Do I have to fill out an extra application for my child to receive Healthchek services?

    No. Once your child is enrolled in Ohio Medicaid, he or she can receive Healthchek services. Ask the
    Healthchek Coordinator at your County Department of Job and Family Services’ (CDJFS) for more information about
    Healthchek services.  

  • What kind of services can my child get through Healthchek?

    In addition to the screening services, your child can get medically necessary services or equipment that your
    child's Medicaid provider recommends. Some services must be approved by Ohio Medicaid or the managed care plan
    your child is enrolled in. Examples of available services or equipment include:
    • Physician and clinic services
    • Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
    • Laboratory and x‐ray services
    • Home health services and private duty nursing services
    • Personal care services
    • Care coordination or Case management services
    • Physical therapy and related services
    • Any medical care or other type of remedial care (example: occupational therapy) recognized under state law
    • Other diagnostic, screening and rehabilitative services recommended by a licensed Medicaid provider
    • Durable medical equipment
    • Dental services
    • Certified pediatric nurse practitioner services
    • Nursing facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and inpatient psychiatric
    hospitals
    • Respiratory care services

Medicaid Assistance

  • How do I become a paid Medicaid in-home care provider?

    For more information on how to become a provider go to:

    Resources for Providers | Medicaid (ohio.gov)

    You can also call with enrollment issues/questions the Integrated HelpDesk at 1-800-686-1516

     

  • What are the Medicaid Managed Care Providers in Ohio?

    There are five Medicaid Managed Care Providers (MCP) in Ohio. These are - Caresource, Buckeye, United Healthcare, Molina, and Paramount.  Effective 12/1/2022 Medicaid will be introducing three additional MCP's, AmeriaHealth Caritas, Human Health Plan, and Anthem BC/BC.  Paramount will be phased effective 12/1/2022. 

  • How do I order a lost or replacement Medicaid card?

    If you are enrolled in a Managed Care Provider (MCP), you would call your provider directly to order a lost/replacement card. 

    Caresource: 1-800-488-0134

    Buckeye: 1-866-246-4358

    United Healthcare: 1-800-895-2017

    Molina: 1-800-642-4168

    Paramount: 1-800-462-3589

    If you are not enrolled in a MCP, you would call 1-800-324-8680 for further assistance. 

  • How do I locate a Medicaid Provider?

    If on a managed care provider (Caresource, Buckeye, United Healthcare, Molina, or Paramount), reach out to your specific managed care plan to get a referral to a Dr., dentist, specialist, etc.

    If you have traditional Fee for Service Medicaid (a Medicaid paper card) please follow these instructions to locate a provider who accepts Medicaid:

    • In your internet browser, go to Medicaid.ohio.gov 
    • Click on "Find a Provider", near the left center of the page, by the magnifying glass
    • Chose the county you'd like to be seen in, and under Provider Type, select what service you are seeking. (such as Clinical Counseling, Dentist Individual, Physician/Osteopath Individual, Professional Medical Group, etc.) 
    • Once you have selected the Provider Type you can narrow down by "Provider Specialty" if needed. 
    • Reach out o the individual(s) or practice listed to ensure they are taking new patients and still accept Traditional Medicaid. 

Transportation

  • Are there transportation services I can qualify for?

    Transportation can be provided to/from medical appointments for individuals receiving a full-category of Medicaid. MPAP, which is QMB, SLMB, and QI-1 are not full Medicaid categories, so would not qualify for transportation assistance. If you have a managed care provider through Medicaid, you would need to contact your managed care provider first for transportation assistance prior to utilizing the transportation program at JFS.  Also, those who are required to participate in the Work Requirement Program for SNAP and/or TANF may be eligible to receive transportation assistance.  All transportation services are provided via Medina County Transit. Please call 330-661-0835 with any questions or to see if you would qualify. 

Financial Assistance

  • How long can you receive the cash assistance program?
    You can receive the cash assistance, if eligible, for up to 36 months in a lifetime.
  • What does TANF stand for?

    Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

    Families are defined by federal regulation and state law as follows:

    • A minor child who resides with a parent, specified relative, legal guardian, or legal custodian (a child may be temporarily absent from the home provided certain requirements are met);
    • An individual who is pregnant;
    • A non-custodial parent who lives in the state, but does not reside with his/her minor child(ren).

Emergency Assistance (PRC)

Foster Care

  • What is the need?

    Our greatest need is for families who are willing to take school aged children, teens, and sibling groups.

  • How do I become a foster parent?
    • Fill out an application
    • Attend training sessions (24 total hours, divided between self-directed/online training and in-person training)
    • Complete a background check
    • Pass a fire inspection and safety audit
    • Complete a home study
  • What is the home study like?
    The home study is a series of home visits with a foster care coordinator/assessor to share and gather information and determine your suitability to become a licensed foster parent. The assessor will work with you to complete all the necessary paperwork and safety inspections required to become licensed. The home study process can take three to six months.
  • How do I become licensed?

    Once you submit an inquiry form and speak with a member of our staff, we will create your profile on Binti, our online licensing program, so you can begin completing the necessary paperwork to become licensed. Please note that you will need to complete the application before working on any other items. After you have completed the preservice training and submitted your application and supporting documentation, we will assign a foster care coordinator/assessor to complete your home study.

  • Who will help me become licensed?

    You will be assigned a foster care coordinator/assessor who will complete your home study with you. If you have met the requirements you will become licensed to foster and will be approved for adoption. 

  • What is my role as a foster parent?

    Your role is to:

    • Provide for children’s basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter
    • Create a safe place for children to learn and grow and cope with complex feelings
    • Ensure that children feel equal and included in all family activities
    • Support children’s identity and traditions
    • Provide transportation for children to appointments, activities, visits, and events
    • Monitor and strengthen children’s academic progress
    • Provide consistent, realistic guidance and discipline
    • Work with the professionals and biological families to promote effective reunification
  • What kind of assistance will I receive as a foster parent?

    Assistance will include:

    • Medical Coverage: Foster children receive coverage through Medicaid offering full coverage for all medical needs including routine healthcare, prescriptions, and counseling.
    • Financial Support: Licensed families are paid a stipend to help meet daily living needs of the children placed in their home.
    • Ongoing Training: Families are provided continued training on topics offering knowledge and guidance on the children placed in your home.
    • Foster Care Events: Annual events for families and children such as summer picnics, fall hayrides, holiday lights & gifts, etc.
    • Personal Support: Families are assigned a foster care coordinator who will take your family into consideration and make recommendations when placement decisions are being made, and who will be available to your family as a support throughout the duration of placements.
  • How old do I need to be to provide foster care?
    You need to be at least 18 years of age to become a foster parent.
  • Is there a minimum household income requirement?
    No, you simply must be able to meet basic household needs.
  • Do I have to be married to be a foster parent?
    No. You can be married, single, divorced, widowed.
  • Do I have to own my home?

    No. You can own or rent and can live in a house, apartment, or mobile home. You must have sufficient space for children and their belongings.

  • Do I need to be a stay-at-home parent to foster?
    No. You can be employed or stay-at-home. Assistance may be available for the cost of childcare.
  • Does my spouse/partner have to take the training also?
    Yes. All spouses and live-in partners must attend the pre-service training. You do not have to attend the same training series if there is a scheduling conflict. You may take the training at another county or take the next training series.
  • Can I take the training in another county and still be licensed by MCJFS?
    Yes. You will need to contact us for a training schedule and to make arrangements with another county.
  • Once I have started the training classes, is there a time limit to complete the process?
    The training classes are good for 18 months. However, you must be licensed in that 18-month time period. A home study can take up to 6 months. This means you should plan to turn in all your paperwork and be assigned for home study within 12 months in order to avoid having to retake the pre-service classes.
  • How long is my foster home license good for?

    A foster home license is good for 2 years.

  • Do I have to take more training once I get my license?
    You are required to complete a certain number of hours of continuing training for each 2-year licensing period. These classes are offered free to you on a variety of topics.
  • Can I be a foster parent with MCJFS if I don’t live in Medina County?
    Yes. We will make a case-by-case determination based on your location.
  • Can my own children and foster children share a bedroom?

    Yes. Each child must have a bed of their own. A foster child cannot share a bedroom with a child of the opposite sex, except when all children in the bedroom are under the age of five.

  • Will children placed in my home have visitation with their birth family?

    Yes. Birth families are entitled to visitation with their children by state law. The child’s case worker will arrange visitation, and visits take place at The Children's Center of Medina County or another agreed upon location.

  • Can I take foster children on vacation with me?
    Yes, you are typically permitted to take children in your care on vacation with you if you provide the child’s case worker sufficient notice along with an address and phone number where you will be.
  • What will it cost me to become a foster parent?
    There is no cost to becoming a foster parent.
  • Can I take the preservice training virtually?
    Yes. The preservice training is now available in an all virtual format. If you prefer to take the training in person, we can help you find the options that work best for you.

Adoption

Kinship Care

Medina County
Job and Family Services
232 Northland Drive
Medina, OH 44256
Office: (330) 722-9300
Toll Free: (800) 783-5070 
Fax: (330) 722-3383

CHILD SUPPORT
Phone: (330) 722-9398
Toll-Free: (800) 706-2732
Fax: (330) 722-9238
Email: medina_child_support_01@jfs.ohio.gov
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